In the moment before his consciousness was annihilated, all Guichen could think of was Li Wan'er and the endless excitement of last night.
Everything seemed to be frozen in time, only he was gradually disappearing. Then came endless darkness, until an unknown amount of time later.
Guichen slowly woke up to find a beautiful woman, also naked, beside him. She seemed even more beautiful than Li Wan'er and Qin Jiaojiao.
Large chunks of memories that weren't his overlapped with Guichen's own.
Gradually, Guichen understood: he had transmigrated, and he had become an emperor.
But the situation didn't seem too good! Guichen exclaimed, "Oh my god! I just got together with Sister Wan'er, and I transmigrated after only one day. What the hell is this?"
Seven days later, Guichen gradually adapted to palace life. It didn't seem bad here; at least there were plenty of beauties, delicious food, and fine wine.
The only downside was the risk of the country falling! Alas... "Is there any good news from the city walls?" Guichen asked Li Yaohu, the commander of the Imperial Guard.
Li Yaohu lowered his voice, a hint of heaviness in it: "Your Majesty, the situation is not very optimistic. But the soldiers are still holding on, fighting to the death. Several Xiantian Grandmasters are fiercely engaging the enemy generals. Six tens of thousands of soldiers are standing by, vowing to prevent enemy soldiers from scaling the city walls. However, the casualties are indeed significant. Since the siege began, we have already lost over sixty brave warriors, and more than eight hundred are injured and receiving treatment."
Upon hearing this, Guichen couldn't help but rub his forehead and sigh softly: "The Wei rebels are truly despicable! To declare war without warning, taking advantage of our Zheng Kingdom's locust plague and food shortage. At this rate of attrition, the capital is in grave danger. The beacon fires have been lit for several days, but have we received any pigeon post from the various feudal lords? Is anyone willing to come to our aid?"
Li Yaohu's face showed helplessness as he said, "This matter is being handled by Eunuch Zhang, but so far, we have not received any news of support from any feudal lords. Those ungrateful wretches are even more hateful than the Wei soldiers. Your Majesty bestowed many favors upon them in your early years, but now no one cares."
Guichen took over this tattered mess and felt incredibly troubled. He sighed and said to Li Yaohu, "Commander Li, you may go and rest. I will go chat with Noble Consort De to relieve my boredom."
Li Yaohu bowed and then silently withdrew. The Golden Mace Warriors and spearmen on duty in the Fengtian Hall also wore solemn expressions, as if they could feel the Emperor's anxiety and helplessness.
Guichen dismissed his attendants and walked alone towards Noble Consort De's residence in the inner palace. With so many masters in the palace, he wasn't worried about his own safety.
Upon arriving at Noble Consort De's residence, Guichen's mood improved slightly. The palace-dressed woman before him was gentle and charming, with extraordinary beauty, as if she could dispel the gloom in his heart. Her beauty even surpassed that of his female colleague Qin Jiaojiao and his girlfriend Li Wan'er from before his transmigration.
Guichen, full of vigor, and with the Emperor's body being very strong, felt an urge and decided to favor Noble Consort De right there.
Noble Consort De was skilled in dance. Seeing the Emperor arrive, after bowing, she gracefully entered the hall and prepared an enchanting dance for him.
"Your Majesty, does this dance please you?" Noble Consort De's dance was graceful, like a fairy descending to the mortal world. She danced and asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Guichen was captivated by Noble Consort De's beauty and dance. He stepped forward and embraced her slender waist, gently caressing her large, fair breasts, as if to cast all his worries aside.
"Come with me to the inner room for some pleasure!" Guichen whispered, his voice full of temptation and desire.
Noble Consort De's pretty face flushed, and she secretly rejoiced. She had long admired the Emperor, and now that she had his favor, she was naturally overjoyed. She shyly nodded and followed the Emperor into the inner room.
Inside, candlelight flickered, and the atmosphere was intimate. Guichen and Noble Consort De made love twice.
After getting dressed, Guichen lightly kissed Noble Consort De's forehead and said, "My dear consort, I am going to the Imperial Study to read. You may rest."
Noble Consort De watched the Emperor's departing back with reluctance, hoping he would return soon to spend more beautiful time with her.
After leaving Noble Consort De's residence, Guichen went straight to the Imperial Study to peruse the classics.
He was a cultivation enthusiast and wanted to see if he could find any books related to cultivation!
He searched and searched, but found no valuable books.
They were all useless miscellaneous books like "Jade Maiden Heart Sutra," "Seventy-two Techniques of the Bedchamber," "Yin-Yang Harmony Techniques," and "Kidney-Nourishing Herbal Formulas."
The integration between Guichen the factory worker and Guichen the Emperor was not very high.
Many of Emperor Guichen's memories were lost.
However, Guichen the factory worker's memories were mostly intact.
But those useless memories of screwing bolts in factories and failing to pick up factory girls didn't seem to be of any use.
It would be better to sleep with a few more concubines and drink a few more cups of imperial jade wine before the imperial city falls.
When the imperial city falls, he might be able to emulate Liu Shan, the later Shu emperor, and live a life of pleasure, forgetting all worries.
Guichen was just an ordinary factory worker; even after transmigrating, his mindset couldn't change overnight.
To be a wise ruler, to care for the world, to seek immortality, to possess boundless magic power, to be peerless with a sword—those were dreams, things for the future.
The immediate predicament was the most pressing matter!
Just as Guichen was lost in thought, an old eunuch with white hair and beard entered the Imperial Study.
"Your Majesty! Are you not going to bed yet? Please take care of your dragon body!" the old eunuch Zhang Zhongjing gently reminded him.
Eunuch Zhang had served three emperors, including Guichen, his father, and his grandfather.
Zhang Zhongjing was not a true eunuch. He was a Xiantian martial artist, whose martial arts were unparalleled in his time, with few rivals. Later, he was captured through a scheme, and it was Guichen's grandfather who saved him.
Zhang Zhongjing then entered the palace to become an eunuch. Guichen's grandfather granted him special permission to forgo castration and settled him in the capital with a wife and concubines.
Guichen knew about Zhang Zhongjing's situation. Previously, Zhang Zhongjing had offered him many remonstrances, but to little effect.
But now that the soul of Guichen the factory worker had moved in, he should, of course, listen more to Zhang Zhongjing's words.
"Eunuch Zhang! Given the current critical situation, do you have any good strategies?" Guichen asked.
He didn't call Zhang Zhongjing "Eunuch Zhang," but rather "Eunuch Zhang," partly because the other party had a penis, and partly out of respect.
"Alas, Your Majesty, if only you had listened to me earlier, how could it have come to this! Now, I fear the country's demise is imminent. But Your Majesty, do not be afraid. If I cannot save Zheng Kingdom, can I not save your life? Once the city falls, I will take you to escape. With my martial arts, even a thousand troops might not be able to stop me. However, after escaping, Your Majesty will no longer be the esteemed Emperor. What will happen then, I do not know."
"Eunuch Zhang, if there is truly no room for reversal, I will go and live as an ordinary person with you. Are there any palace maids in the harem that you fancy? Feel free to enjoy them."
"Your Majesty, at that time, I will have my son, Zhang Junbao, feign surrender to the Wei Kingdom. First, to protect his family's lives, and second, to serve as an inside contact for Your Majesty, so we can exchange information in the future. If Your Majesty has the ambition to reclaim lost territory, Junbao can also lend you a hand."
Although Guichen wasn't very clever, he felt that Zhang Zhongjing's plan made some sense.
Guichen responded, "Eunuch Zhang's plan is very much to my liking. Before, I was too autocratic, which led to the country's ruin and harm to the people. I feel remorse and also unwillingness. If there is truly a chance to turn the tide one day, I will definitely not miss the opportunity."
Zhang Zhongjing said, "I am deeply relieved that Your Majesty can repent and reflect. It is not impossible to start anew. Your Majesty is still young, only thirty years old."
Guichen said, "Eunuch Zhang, if I surrender to the Wei Kingdom, can I become a carefree rich old man? Actually, being an emperor isn't that great."
He was thinking that if he compromised first, ensured his own safety, and then slowly planned, it wouldn't be a bad option.
If Zheng Kingdom fell, it wouldn't matter much. He was originally a factory worker, not penniless, but certainly poor enough.
But if not only Zheng Kingdom fell, but he also had to die, then he couldn't accept that.
He had transmigrated with such difficulty, and before he had even enjoyed it much, he was already getting a premature ending. Wouldn't that be like a background actor in a play?
He wanted to be the protagonist. The protagonist not only lives to the end but also laughs last!
Guichen's thoughts were interrupted by Zhang Zhongjing: "Absolutely not! As far as this old servant knows, Emperor Cao Qiudao of the Wei Kingdom is inherently suspicious. He might accept the surrender of enemy officials, but he will definitely not accept your surrender, Your Majesty. Surrendering will only lead to a quicker death!"
Guichen said, "In that case, why don't we escape now! Even if it means becoming a refugee, what does it matter? As long as the green hills remain, there will always be wood to burn!"
It wasn't that Guichen was greedy for life and afraid of death, but he hadn't enjoyed his transmigration enough yet. He hadn't achieved anything either. Dying now would not only be a great loss but also a disgrace to a transmigrator.
Zhang Zhongjing continued, "Your Majesty need not panic. Although defeat is certain, we can still hold out for at least ten days to half a month. Holding out for one more day will consume more of the enemy's strength, and Your Majesty will be safer in the future. In fact, if all the feudal lords came to aid the capital and resist the Wei army together, though we might not win, we could at least fight to a draw. It's just a pity that they are all selfish and shortsighted. When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact! Once the capital falls, they will also become the next target for the Wei army's conquest."
Guichen said, "I never thought that Zheng Kingdom, which once had several times the national strength of Wei Kingdom, would fall to this state today! I truly deserve to die!"
In reality, Guichen was cursing his predecessor to death in his heart. He had played a good hand so poorly; he was truly a good-for-nothing. If he could have taken over as emperor during Zheng Kingdom's glorious period, he would surely have created a flourishing age and become a wise ruler, revered by future generations!
Zhang Zhongjing said, "Your Majesty need not blame yourself. Having a heart of repentance makes you a good emperor. This old servant will arrange everything for you. Your Majesty, please rest early! Tomorrow is still the morning court. Let's hear what insights the various ministers have in court."
Guichen said, "That's all we can do. Eunuch Zhang, you've worked hard, toiling for the country and for me. You should also rest early and take care of your health."
Zhang Zhongjing smiled with relief and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am deeply comforted by Your Majesty's benevolence."
After bidding farewell to Zhang Zhongjing, Guichen prepared to return to his sleeping quarters.
As he stepped into the main entrance of Peach Blossom Pavilion, he encountered the palace maid Liu Yiyi.
Seeing the Emperor return, Liu Yiyi stepped forward to bow and greet him.
"This servant, Liu Yiyi, respectfully welcomes Your Majesty!"
Guichen was a little annoyed and said, "Alright, no more such elaborate formalities in the future. A nod and a greeting will suffice. It's late, hurry and go to sleep!"
Liu Yiyi said, "No. I must protect Your Majesty's safety. Eunuch Zhang has instructed me to."
Guichen said, "I'm really impressed by you martial artists! You barely sleep, yet you're always so energetic."
Liu Yiyi walked alongside Guichen and said, "Martial artists primarily cultivate essence, qi, and spirit. Strong practitioners achieve the 'Three Flowers Gathering at the Peak' and 'Five Qi Returning to the Origin' states. Naturally, they can sleep less and remain energetic. Not only that, but in terms of strength, speed, perception, and other aspects, they far surpass ordinary people. Your Majesty, you are too lazy, otherwise you could also become a high-level martial artist."
Guichen said, "Yiyi, if there's a chance in the future, teach me martial arts! I also want to become an unparalleled master! To shatter mountains with a single punch, to sever rivers with a single sword. It would be best if I could fly with a sword, shrink distances, and move mountains and fill seas."
Liu Yiyi chuckled playfully and said, "What Your Majesty speaks of are all things written in books, and they may not be true. I don't know if there are immortals in this world. Anyway, I don't know those immortal arts you speak of. It would be better for Your Majesty to let me serve you in bed than to ask me to teach you martial arts. You are already thirty years old! How can you still learn martial arts? I, however, started learning martial arts from Eunuch Zhang when I was three years old. I studied diligently for twenty years, day and night, regardless of cold or heat, to reach the realm of Half-Step Xiantian."
Guichen envied Liu Yiyi greatly. He also wished to possess formidable strength, rather than having to rely on Zhang Zhongjing and Liu Yiyi and others.
Most people in this era held thoughts of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism. Otherwise, with him being such a useless emperor, he would have died eight times over by now.
Even the beautiful palace maid Liu Yiyi beside him could kill him with a single finger.
Guichen smiled and said, "Yiyi, then let's have you serve me tonight! Haven't you always wanted this? Today, your wish will be granted."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yiyi was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Your Majesty! You've finally come to your senses. I'm so happy. I told you I was better than those pretentious consorts. I begged you so many times before, but you never wanted me."
Liu Yiyi knelt and bowed towards the empty air, saying, "Father, Mother! Your daughter has finally achieved her wish and become the Emperor's woman!"
Guichen was utterly bewildered. Was it really worth being this happy? Was he really that charming?
In his previous life on Earth, aside from Sister Wan'er, no woman of such stunning beauty would have eagerly sought to sleep with him.
He had just gotten together with Sister Wan'er when he was forced to transmigrate. Was this a blessing or a curse?
However, being this emperor wasn't so bad. At least there were still so many people loyal to him.
Guichen thought this. As for the future, he would just wait and see!
Guichen gently stroked the dragon beard on his chin, a playful smile playing on his lips, and said to Liu Yiyi, "Yiyi, come with me to the sleeping quarters. Tonight, I shall let you experience the ultimate pleasure of being a woman."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yiyi's eyes, usually as sharp as knives, were instantly veiled with a shy mist. She lowered her head shyly, and the tough demeanor of a martial artist vanished, as if she had transformed into a young girl experiencing her first love.
She softly replied, "Your Majesty, may this concubine first bathe and change? This concubine wishes to serve Your Majesty in her most beautiful form."
Gui Yuchen chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes, and said, "Of course, I can. I'll bathe with you and even scrub your back, so you can wash more thoroughly and comfortably."
Liu Yiyi playfully chided, "Your Majesty, you're such a joker, but... I like it!"
Although she had never experienced intimacy between a man and a woman, Liu Yiyi had long frequented the Imperial Study, and the books describing romantic love had long been thoroughly read by her. She had been thinking about this day and meticulously preparing for its arrival, so it could be said that she was already an experienced maiden in matters of the heart.
The two soon arrived at the bedchamber. Liu Yiyi instructed the old palace maids of Taohua Pavilion to quickly prepare hot water and a large wooden tub, adding precious medicinal herbs and flower petals. Soon, everything was ready, and a faint fragrance of herbs and flowers intertwined, filling the air and refreshing the mind.
Liu Yiyi gently took Gui Yuchen's hand and led him to the wooden tub. Her shoulders, as white as jade, glowed softly in the candlelight, and her delicate, firm breasts were perfectly beautiful, soft yet strong, a blend of both, exuding an invisible, charming allure.
Gui Yuchen gazed at the beauty before him, a surge of regret in his heart. He thought, 'If only I had known Yiyi was so enchanting sooner!'
He praised her sincerely, "Yiyi, your figure and skin are as luxurious as if carved from gold and jade, and as comforting as a spring breeze. Truly, you are an unparalleled wonder of beauty!"
Upon hearing this, a hint of triumphant smirk appeared on Liu Yiyi's face. She pouted, "You used to always dislike me and reject my advances. Now you know how wonderful I am, don't you?"
Gui Yuchen gave an awkward laugh, then feigned seriousness and said, "Yiyi, I was wrong! Come, let me scrub your back, as atonement for my mistakes."
With that, he began to carefully scrub Liu Yiyi's back. The water gently caressed their skin, accompanied by the scent of herbs and flower petals, and the air was filled with an inexplicable intimacy and sweetness.
Half an hour later, the two, feeling refreshed, changed their clothes and walked out of the bedchamber, leaning against each other.
Liu Yiyi was thoughtful and had people meticulously prepare nourishing porridge and honey water to replenish their bodies and minds. After they had eaten their fill, they held hands and re-entered the bedchamber to spend the night together.
On the imperial bed, Liu Yiyi used her tender affection to stir Gui Yuchen's heart, making him once again forget the worries of the world and join her in passionate intimacy. After a night of fervent embrace, Gui Yuchen finally felt satisfied.
Afterward, Liu Yiyi's expression became serious and earnest. She gazed at Gui Yuchen and slowly said, "Your Majesty, haven't you always yearned for martial arts? I've discovered that you possess the talent for it. Although you've passed the optimal age for training, the True Dragon Qi within you is extraordinarily abundant. Your essence is full, your qi is thick, your spirit is clear, and your five internal organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys) are balanced and robust, circulating smoothly. You are truly a rare genius for cultivating martial arts."
Gui Yuchen was somewhat surprised to hear this. He asked doubtfully, "Yiyi, how did you know? I myself never realized I possessed such potential."
A blush crept onto Liu Yiyi's cheeks. She shyly replied, "During our intimacy, I could clearly sense the circulation of the True Dragon Qi within Your Majesty. This power is inexhaustible and has greatly benefited me. If there were a dual cultivation technique to assist, Your Majesty's path in martial arts would surely be like a tiger with wings, progressing a thousand miles a day."
Upon hearing this, Gui Yuchen felt a surge of heroic ambition, but it quickly faded. He sighed, "It's a pity that the situation of Zheng State is now precarious, on the verge of collapse. Even with all my abilities, I can only enjoy these last days of imperial life."
Liu Yiyi quickly comforted him, "Your Majesty, you must not be so pessimistic. If you can break through to the Xiantian realm, what does losing a small Zheng State matter? I believe that with the right opportunity, Your Majesty is fully capable of surpassing Xiantian and achieving extraordinary accomplishments."
Gui Yuchen gave a bitter smile, self-deprecatingly, "I am merely a frog in a well, a ruler of a doomed nation. I have lived in this small Hongcheng for thirty years and have never even seen the vastness of the world. Yiyi, do you think there are really immortals in this world?"
Liu Yiyi pondered for a moment, then replied, "According to ancient texts, there should be beings who surpass Xiantian martial artists in this world. It's just that these mysterious figures are elusive, and we have no way of knowing their whereabouts, nor can we definitively say whether they can be called immortals. After all, our knowledge is too limited. Your Majesty, you don't need to worry about such ethereal matters. If Wei State breaks through Hongcheng, I and Zhang Gong will protect you with our lives to ensure your safe escape."
Gui Yuchen secretly sighed, feeling utterly useless as a transmigrator. He longed for a golden finger or superpowers, even hoping for a system to appear, but reality had disappointed him profoundly. Besides a healthy body and abundant energy, all he had left was a handsome face. His martial prowess was almost zero; any martial artist in the palace could easily defeat him.
He had tried to find martial arts manuals in the palace, but after several days, he found nothing. Presumably, his previous self had no interest in martial arts and therefore did not collect relevant texts. Thinking of this, Gui Yuchen's mood became heavy and complex. However, amidst the intertwining of fatigue and drowsiness, he gradually fell into a dream.
In the mist of his dream, Gui Yuchen once again entered that familiar and monotonous factory, the endless sound of screws echoing in his ears, like the shackles of fate. Beside him, the factory beauty's arrogant gaze, like a sharp sword, pierced through the dust of time, as if whispering, "Even if I become a factory girl, I am a dream you, a lowly person, can never touch."
"Your Majesty, it's time to get up and prepare for court.", Liu Yiyi's gentle yet firm voice, like a wisp of fresh breeze in the morning light, gently dispelled the gloom from Gui Yuchen's dream.
Dressed in his imperial robes and fully adorned, Gui Yuchen completed his ablutions with the assistance of his attendants and enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast. Each exquisite dish seemed to speak of the beauty of life, making him take a few extra bites to make up for the exhaustion brought on by Liu Yiyi's enchanting embrace last night.
Accompanied by the eunuchs, Gui Yuchen entered the solemn Fengtian Hall. Sitting on the dragon throne, he felt as if bound by invisible shackles, his gaze empty, like a puppet without a soul. All the civil and military officials knelt in reverence, and Zhang Zhongjing's familiar voice once again resonated: "If there are matters, present them; otherwise, dismiss the court." This had become a daily routine in court, monotonous and uninteresting.
Currently, the court was depleted of talent; those brave and skilled generals had already gone to the front lines, defending the crumbling cities. Those who remained were mostly civil officials and elderly generals, their faces etched with worry and fatigue.
An old minister, well past his seventies, stumbled out of the ranks, his voice trembling slightly: "Reporting to Your Majesty, the war is urgent, and the capital is in peril. This old minister dares to suggest concentrating our forces, finding an opportunity to break out, and relocating the capital to Nanhai. Nanhai is located by the sea; if the enemy attacks, we can still use the advantage of the islands to contend with them."
Upon hearing this, Minister of Revenue Zhang Junbao frowned, stepped forward, and said firmly, "Prime Minister Li's words are mistaken. The Wei army' has besieged the city so tightly that defending it is already difficult, let alone breaking out. Without a strong city to rely on, breaking out with Hongcheng's current forces would be tantamount to suicide. Even if we miraculously escape and reach Nanhai, we would be fighting alone. The loyalty of Nanhai's officials is still uncertain, not to mention the rampant pirates. At that time, Your Majesty would be caught between a rock and a hard place, with little chance of survival."
Li Yaohu, the commander of the Imperial Guards, with piercing eyes, stepped forward, his voice filled with determination: "Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."
A trace of helplessness flashed across Gui Yuchen's weary face, but then he became resolute: "Things have come to this; what is there that cannot be said?"
Li Yaohu took a deep breath, his voice low and powerful: "Your Majesty, the current situation, as anyone with eyes can see, offers no hope of holding out. The fall of Zheng State seems to be a foregone conclusion. But no matter what, we must ensure Your Majesty's safe evacuation. To my knowledge, there is a secret tunnel hidden in the palace that leads directly to the Hong River outside the city. If we can escape through the tunnel, it might buy Your Majesty a glimmer of hope."
Gui Yuchen sighed softly, his eyes revealing a mix of helplessness and determination. It wasn't that he didn't want to fight to the death with Wei State; it was just that Zheng State and Wei State had both once been territories of Eastern Zhou.
If they sacrificed the lives of their soldiers in vain and still couldn't win, it would be better to let more people live.
If there was a chance in the future, reunifying the world wouldn't be impossible.
In Gui Yuchen's mind, as a modern Earthling, the wars between vassal states were internal conflicts, and there was no need to fight to the death; instead, they should act according to circumstances!
Preserving strength was the only way to continue contending for supremacy, to bring all the vassal states back under control, and to restart the prosperous era of the Eastern Zhou.
Gui Yuchen said,
"I also know a little about the secret passage that Commander Li mentioned."
"But according to Zhang Gong, the passage is very narrow, barely allowing one person to pass through."
"I myself know that time is running out. If any of you wish to leave Hongcheng, you can try that secret passage. I will never force anyone to stay and take risks."
"Of course, if someone doesn't want to leave, they can also consider surrendering to Wei State; perhaps they can save their families' lives."
Zhang Zhongjing's expression became serious upon hearing this, his voice gentle but firm:
"My lords, we have all witnessed His Majesty's benevolence."
"There will be no morning court tomorrow, and three days from now, I hope the soldiers on the front lines can, according to the actual situation, choose to flee or surrender, and no longer make meaningless sacrifices."
After hearing this, the ministers were filled with emotion, their hearts a mix of complex feelings.
Soon, more than a dozen ministers decided to take their families and seek a glimmer of hope through the secret passage.
Li Yaohu took his leave, his figure slowly disappearing into the night.
By dusk, when the last ray of sunlight was swallowed by darkness, Li Yaohu returned, covered in dirt and pale-faced. Although Gui Yuchen had a premonition, he still couldn't help but ask, "Commander Li, are they safe?"
Li Yaohu shook his head, his eyes full of regret: "Your Majesty, I was too naive. There was an enemy ambush near the exit of the secret passage. I barely escaped with my life. I don't know if the secret passage has been exposed, but I've done my best to block it."
Gui Yuchen's heart sank, and he pressed, "What about those ministers...?" Although he had already guessed the outcome, he still hoped for a miracle.
Li Yaohu's voice was low, almost on the verge of tears: "Over a hundred people, not a single one survived. Men, women, old and young, all were killed. I was powerless. If I hadn't run fast, I probably would have..."
Gui Yuchen's mind was in turmoil. He had originally intended to use this secret passage to test the waters, but he hadn't expected it to be a dead end. As a transmigrator, he still had many things left undone; how could he easily give up his life?
Late at night, Gui Yuchen and Zhang Zhongjing sat together, a few cups of light wine on the table. They ate and chatted. Zhang Zhongjing whispered, "Your Majesty, the latter half of tonight is the best time. I and my disciple Liu Yiyi will protect you as you break through the encirclement!"
Gui Yuchen frowned: "What about the others? The ministers, palace maids, concubines, princes... what will happen to them?"
Zhang Zhongjing sighed: "We can only prioritize the greater good. If we try to save everyone, we might end up saving no one. Let them find their own way. If they unfortunately perish, it can be considered sacrificing themselves for the country. But it shouldn't come to that; even if the city falls, the Wei army won't massacre indiscriminately. Besides, I've also made some preparations."
Although Gui Yuchen felt a pang of reluctance, rationality ultimately prevailed. He nodded: "Zhang Gong, I'll leave everything to you."
In the latter half of the night, the three, dressed in night clothes, carrying their packs and swords, quietly left the imperial palace.
Before leaving, Gui Yuchen left an imperial decree for Li Yaohu, sincerely admitting his mistakes and abdicating the throne to his six-year-old son, Gui Hai.
Gui Yuchen looked at the young prince, a surge of guilt in his heart. He slapped himself hard and whispered, "I don't deserve to be his father."
Then, he resolutely turned and followed Zhang Zhongjing and Liu Yiyi on their escape.
"Zhang Gong, there was an enemy ambush at the secret passage exit. Why are we still taking the risk?" Gui Yuchen was confused and couldn't help but ask.
Zhang Zhongjing smiled slightly, confidently saying, "So many people sacrificed themselves last time, the enemy will definitely think we wouldn't dare to escape through this path again. So, it's actually safer now. Besides, even if we encounter the enemy, with Yiyi and me here, escaping won't be difficult. If we tried to break out from the city wall, there would be too many enemies and too few of us, making it even more dangerous."
Gui Yuchen understood after hearing this, and self-deprecatingly said, "I was too foolish; Zhang Gong is right."
Since deciding to flee, Gui Yuchen no longer referred to himself as "Zhen" (the imperial 'I'), and this newfound lightness gave him an unprecedented sense of liberation.
After two hours of arduous travel, the three finally reached the exit of the secret passage.
Zhang Zhongjing pushed hard, and the stone slab shattered into several pieces. He peered out, carefully surveyed the surroundings, and after confirming no one was there, the three quickly left the area.
Walking through the dense forest for less than half an hour, they arrived at the Hong River. The river water flowed quietly under the faint morning light, shimmering with ripples, as if hiding countless stories.
The three stood by the river, gazing at the vast expanse of water, their hearts a mix of emotions, yet at the same time, they resolutely took new steps towards the unknown distance.
The scenery before them was as beautiful as a painting; the river surged endlessly, like a giant dragon weaving through the valleys, its roar echoing all around, stirring every inch of the air.
Sunlight pierced through the gaps in the clouds, dappling the water's surface and shimmering with dazzling light.
On both sides of the river, dense forests grew lush and green, their branches intertwined to form a verdant barrier, while steep cliffs stood like guardian deities, exuding a mysterious and solemn aura.
Standing by this magnificent river, the three took a deep breath; the fresh air seemed to carry the fragrance of nature and the taste of freedom, instantly dispelling the weariness and suppression in their hearts.
Gui Yuchen said with a sigh of emotion, "Finally, I can breathe the air of freedom; this feeling is truly wonderful."
Liu Yiyi smiled gently, as if a spring breeze had passed, and reminded him, "Young Master, don't get too happy. Having left that magnificent imperial palace, there are still many hardships and challenges awaiting us outside."
Gui Yuchen smiled slightly, then asked with concern, "We fled in a hurry this time; how much money did we bring?" He was a little worried, "Don't tell me we won't even have money for lodging and food, that would be embarrassing."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhongjing calmly took out some silver and gold leaves from his satchel and said, "Don't worry, I've prepared everything. Here are 30,000 taels in silver notes, five catties of gold leaves, and 800 taels of loose silver. If the three of us are careful with our spending, this money will last us a lifetime."
Liu Yiyi also took out some broken silver and copper coins from her bosom: "I also have some loose change here; though not much, it can be used in an emergency."
Gui Yuchen patted his own satchel and laughed, "I didn't bring any money; my bag is full of dry rations and water. I was afraid we'd go hungry on the road, so I specially prepared more."
Zhang Zhongjing looked up into the distance and said, "It's almost dawn. After crossing this Hong River, we'll be in the territory of Wei. Let's go to Wei to avoid the limelight for now."
Gui Yuchen and Liu Yiyi were both startled upon hearing this. Wei was Zheng's sworn enemy; they had just managed to escape from the imperial palace, and now they were to flee to an enemy country?
Liu Yiyi asked doubtfully, "Master, won't going to Wei be like walking into a trap?"
Gui Yuchen, however, pondered for a moment and then suddenly understood: "I see! This is called 'the darkest place is under the lamp.' Even if Emperor Cao Qiudao of Wei learns of our escape later, he would never imagine that we would flee to his rear."
Zhang Zhongjing nodded approvingly: "Exactly. Currently, Wei's focus is on besieging Hongcheng, leaving them no time for other matters. When Hongcheng is eventually breached, they will still be busy attacking other separatist forces in Zheng. So, within Wei's borders, as long as we act cautiously and don't cause a big stir, there won't be any danger. Of course, this is only temporary. Once the war settles, we will make a long-term plan and find a safer place to live."
Gui Yuchen felt a little relieved upon hearing this, but then immediately felt ravenously hungry: "It's just that my stomach is rumbling now; we need to find something to eat quickly."
Before he finished speaking, Zhang Zhongjing, agile in his movements, carried Gui Yuchen and effortlessly leaped across the Hong River, which was over 150 meters wide, landing steadily on the sandy beach on the opposite bank. Liu Yiyi followed closely, her posture light and graceful, also easily crossing this natural chasm.
After the two stood firm, Liu Yiyi's clear and melodious voice rang out again: "Master, you go into the forest first to find a suitable place to build an earthen stove! I plan to catch a few delicious fish from the river."
Gui Yuchen looked at Liu Yiyi with a stunned expression, and said worriedly, "Yiyi, going down to the river to catch fish is an extremely dangerous thing! The Hong River's current is swift and its depth unfathomable!"
However, Liu Yiyi merely smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with confidence. She gently shook her head and said in a firm tone, "Young Master, don't worry! A half-step Xiantian martial artist isn't just for show."
Before she finished speaking, Liu Yiyi quickly shed her outer robe, revealing the close-fitting bustier and tight underpants beneath.
Liu Yiyi's close-fitting bustier and tight underpants were both made of golden-yellow silk, patterned with auspicious beasts and divine birds.
These were specially bestowed upon her by Gui Yuchen to wear, symbolizing nobility.
Liu Yiyi, with agile movements, rushed towards the bank of the Hong River without hesitation, then plunged into the turbulent river water with lightning speed.
As water splashed, Liu Yiyi instantly disappeared beneath the surface of the river. Gui Yuchen watched the water nervously, silently praying for her safety.
Time passed by minute by minute, and finally, after a violent ripple, Liu Yiyi's figure resurfaced. She held a lively large fish high in both hands, her face beaming with a triumphant smile.
Seeing this, a great weight was lifted from Gui Yuchen's heart. He breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, giving Liu Yiyi a thumbs-up: "Yiyi, you truly have excellent skills!"
Liu Yiyi playfully blinked, placing the fish in the bamboo basket: "Hehe, this is nothing but a piece of cake! The fish in this Hong River are truly plump. This big crucian carp must weigh over ten catties!" As she spoke, she was already impatiently turning and walking towards the forest.
Gui Yuchen also quickly followed. His cooking skills were decent, and he planned to show them off in a bit.
Liu Yiyi took a deep breath of fresh air, circulated the power within her body, gently dispelling the moisture from her clothes, and immediately felt light and dry. She quickly put on her outer coat, her movements swift and elegant.
At the same time, Gui Yuchen meticulously organized his backpack and weapons, filled with respect and anticipation. The two walked side by side into the forest; the autumn wind brushed past, and the rustling leaves sounded like a natural symphony.
A distant firelight guided them, and as they drew closer, they saw Zhang Zhongjing had already lit a bonfire, the flames leaping and crackling, a stark contrast to the surrounding tranquility. It was autumn, and the weather was dry, but he had carefully cleared the dead branches around, ensuring safety.
Gui Yuchen frowned, a little worried, and said, "Elder Zhang, if we make a fire and cook here, won't it attract the attention of the Wei soldiers?"
Zhang Zhongjing smiled slightly upon hearing this, and said confidently, "You are indeed meticulous and thoughtful. However, this place is very close to the village, and it's quite normal to light a fire and cook at this time. It's just that our current attire is too conspicuous and might attract attention. After we eat, we might as well go to the village to buy a few sets of ordinary clothes and change our disguise."
Gui Yuchen took the heavy crucian carp, its silver scales shimmering. He skillfully cut open its belly, cleaned out the internal organs, then threaded it onto a thick branch and placed it over the bonfire to roast. The flames licked at the fish, making an enticing sizzling sound, and the air was filled with the aroma of fish.
Before long, the crucian carp turned golden and crispy. Gui Yuchen quickly sprinkled fine salt and chili powder, the seasonings blending perfectly with the fish, making the aroma even richer. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and reveled in the deliciousness.
Seeing this, Liu Yiyi's lips curled into a gentle smile, and she teased, "Young Master actually possesses such exquisite cooking skills; it's truly unexpected! You are, after all, a person destined to be an emperor."
Upon hearing this, Gui Yuchen secretly smiled bitterly, thinking to himself that it hadn't been many days since he transmigrated here before he encountered the downfall of a nation, which was truly tragic. Now, having to do everything himself, wasn't this also a form of tempering and growth?
He smiled slightly and retorted, "Yiyi, you've been diligently practicing martial arts since childhood; I presume you haven't had time to learn such trivial matters, have you?"
Liu Yiyi's pretty face flushed slightly upon hearing this, and she laughed, "Young Master is absolutely right. I have been devoted to martial arts since childhood; how could I have leisure for such things? Not knowing how to cook is only natural."
The three sat around the bonfire, eating the roasted fish clean and drinking some clear water to satisfy their hunger and thirst.
Afterward, they extinguished the fire and continued their journey.
They had originally expected to encounter numerous obstacles on this journey, but unexpectedly, they did not encounter a single Wei soldier along the way.
It seems their chosen direction was indeed correct!
After trekking another dozen li of rugged and winding mountain roads, the three finally saw a simple adobe and thatched cottage, standing alone in the wilderness.
The morning sun shone on the mottled walls, adding a touch of warmth to this desolate place.
Zhang Zhongjing, Liu Yiyi, and Gui Yuchen felt an indescribable joy welling up in their hearts, as if they had seen the dawn of hope.
They eagerly walked into the courtyard, but suddenly heard a woman's cries for help and vulgar curses coming from inside the room.
"Wang Erlai, you beast! Stop it now. Help, Wang Erlai is raping a widow!" The woman's shouts echoed in the narrow room, shaking the three's hearts.
The three rushed into the room, and the sight before them was astonishing.
They saw two people, completely unclothed, entangled and rolling on the bed, engaged in an indecent and intense activity.
Gui Yuchen frowned, turning his head away in disgust: "It's too indecent! Yiyi, you go deal with that man."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yiyi drew the sharp sword from her waist without hesitation, and with a flash of light, accurately stabbed the man named Wang Erlai in the neck.
Wang Erlai let out a miserable, sharp, and short scream, then stopped breathing. His body slumped powerlessly onto the bed, blood staining the sheets.
Zhang Yunniang was scared out of her wits by this sudden turn of events, and she shrieked, "Heroine, spare my life, don't kill me!" Her voice carried a hint of fear.
Liu Yiyi retracted her long sword, a faint smile playing on her lips: "We came in precisely because we heard cries for help. This fellow dared to commit such a sordid act in broad daylight. He truly deserved to die! We will not harm innocent people. Big sister, please rest assured, put on your clothes first!"
Zhang Yunniang then came to her senses, remembering she was still naked on the bed. She blushed crimson with shame and quickly reached for a coarse linen dress to put on.
Gui Yuchen glanced at Zhang Yunniang's graceful figure and couldn't help but secretly praise: This village girl actually has such a devilish figure! Those two full bosoms must weigh over ten catties! No wonder this Wang Erlai couldn't control his desires. But he quickly composed himself and stopped his wild thoughts.
After Zhang Yunniang got dressed, she asked with a trembling voice, "Wang Erlai died in my house; what should I do? Won't I be arrested and beheaded?" Her eyes were filled with terror and unease.
Gui Yuchen comforted her, "Don't panic, young lady! We are the ones who killed him; it has nothing to do with you. We will bury him. Just remember not to speak of this in the future. Just pretend this never happened." His voice was calm and strong, bringing Zhang Yunniang a sense of reassurance.
Zhang Yunniang curtsied slightly, performing a woman's present: "Thank you, three heroes, for saving me. I am a widow named Zhang Yunniang. My husband died on our wedding night, so I have no children. I live here alone. That Wang Erlai is an idle rogue, who usually steals chickens and dogs, and also likes to steal other people's young wives." Her voice carried a hint of sorrow and helplessness.
Gui Yuchen nodded: "So that's how it is. Then we shall take our leave." As he spoke, he turned to go.
Zhang Zhongjing, however, said, "This place is secluded; there's no harm in staying. Why not stay for a few days? In a few days, I'll personally go back to gather information, to see if Junbao and Commander Li are safe, and what the situation in the palace is like." His gaze was deep and resolute.
Gui Yuchen thought for a moment and felt it made sense: "That would be good."
After they had discussed it, Gui Yuchen then said to Zhang Yunniang, "Yunniang, can the three of us stay at your house for ten days to half a month? Don't worry, we won't eat and stay for free. We'll give you five taels of silver every day as compensation."
Zhang Yunniang immediately waved her hands in refusal upon hearing this: "Please stay, but I don't want the silver. Five taels of silver is a large sum; I don't spend five taels of silver in a whole year! You have been kind to me, and it is my good fortune that you are willing to stay! How can I possibly accept money?" Her voice carried a hint of gratitude and simplicity.
Liu Yiyi, however, said coquettishly, "Sister Yunniang, just take it! We're not short of this bit of silver. If you don't take it, I'll get angry! If I get angry, I might just stab you with my sword." Her tone carried a hint of playfulness and threat, but her eyes were full of laughter.
Zhang Yunniang looked at Liu Yiyi's playful expression and knew that the other party was joking. So, she decided to accept the silver to supplement her household expenses.
Zhang Zhongjing took out two ingots of fifty taels of fine silver from his bosom, handed them to Zhang Yunniang, and winked at her. Zhang Yunniang's hand trembled slightly as she took the silver, and she said nothing more.
