Chapter Thirteen: In Truth, I Am Not an Ordinary Person

Although Liu Liang’s words startled Zhang Shiping, he did not dwell on them for long. So what if fate was unkind? Was every man’s destiny truly ordained by heaven from the start? He knew only this: as long as he drew breath, as long as Zhang Yu lived, he would spend the family’s fortune, be broken to pieces, do whatever it took to ensure his precious Yu’er would know happiness and peace.

Zhang Yu, of course, had no inkling that his secret of crossing worlds had been glimpsed by the goat-bearded man. After enjoying Han Yan’s “service,” he had to scowl and glare to drive her out; otherwise, he’d be exposed again before a young girl. And this wasn’t just any minor—this was a child, a decade from adulthood! Even if Han girls commonly married at twelve or thirteen, and both Ying’er and Han Yan were budding beauties in their own right, Zhang Yu, a modern-day traveler, could not so easily shed his ethics and values.

Yet, like the decadent allure of capitalism, the ugly life of feudal landlords possessed a certain—

A repulsive charm that was hard to resist.

…

In the main hall, at the dinner table.

“Yu’er, come, eat some meat.”

“Thank you, Mother!”

If the essence of cuisine was color, aroma, and taste, then at the Zhang residence, “quantity” described the food best. The dishes could hardly be called delicious, but the portions were generous. It suited Zhang Yu, who always expended vast energy; appetite mattered little, replenishing strength for training was everything. After all, the true chaos was only just beginning. Without a solid body, even keeping up as a refugee would be impossible.

“Yu’er, your mother and I have discussed it, and we think you should have a proper tutor—”

“What?!”

A tutor? Why, to nod and recite all day, memorize and be punished for forgetting? Before the college entrance exam, one thought all trouble would end afterward, but university proved that notion a lie. Now, not only after the exam—even after crossing worlds—I can’t escape?

“No! I… I don’t need a teacher,” Zhang Yu said, his face troubled.

“Ah! How many poor scholars long for a path to study but cannot find it, while you, Yu’er, sit in blessing and don’t know it,” Zhang Shiping shook his head, disappointment written across his face. “Though times are unsettled, some learning is always good. Especially since you’ve aided the refugees—if you master the classics, even being nominated for filial piety would be within reach.

You must listen to your father on this.”

Master the classics? Does Father wish me to be a scholar? With chaos approaching, who has time for endless rhetoric!

“Father, it’s not that I’m unwilling to learn, but…” Zhang Yu paused, gathering emotion, then continued, “But I already possess a wealth of knowledge; music, chess, calligraphy, painting—none are beyond me. Those capable of teaching me in this world can be counted on one hand—”

“Pfft!” Someone outside broke composure; a shadow, clutching their mouth, was cast through the paper window onto the floor.

Laugh if you must, but when my version of “Song for Ma Sheng of Dongyang” spreads, you’ll all kneel before me, singing of conquest—

“Yu’er…” Liu Shi struggled to suppress her laughter. “Mother knows study is a bitter task, but a man without talent stands shorter before other scholars. However hard, you’ve managed daily martial training; studying should be no harder. You’re young, a few years spent will yield lifelong benefit. In this, I support your father.”

A few years? In six years, even the emperor will be held hostage—would you believe it?

“Father, Mother, first, it’s not that I won’t study, but the world is already in turmoil; the days of peace are gone. Father’s business spans Hebei—he knows I’m not exaggerating.”

Zhang Shiping nodded gently, not bothering to wonder how his child knew such things.

Zhang Yu continued, “I wish to learn, but what I seek is practical knowledge, not stale, outdated templates. Heroes arise in chaos, and heroes come in many forms. To be a great scholar is no hero at all.”

At the phrase “practical knowledge,” Zhang Shiping’s eyes flashed keenly. If contemporary scholars heard this, they’d rebuke in anger. But who was Zhang Shiping? Merchant, businessman, always looked down upon by scholars. Yet commerce is a great discipline too, though literati dismiss merchants as cunning, heartless, full of wealth but short on learning, parasites of the nation. Such prejudices have passed from generation to generation, so merchants rarely think highly of arrogant scholars.

Besides, Zhang Yu was his beloved child; even if he were a scholar himself, he would never scold him. Yet study…

As he hesitated, Zhang Yu added, “As I said, music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and verse—few in this age surpass me; it is not empty boast, but because—”

He leaned close to Zhang Shiping and Liu Shi, whispering, “These years of my foolishness, my mind dwelled in another world!”

“What!?”

“Ah?”

Both were shocked, gazing at their precious child, struggling to believe.

“It was as if I dreamed a very long dream, my soul traveling through a thousand years, arriving in a completely different age.

In that era, there were miraculous things, exquisite poetry, splendid scenes. Of course, I loved learning most, so I immersed myself in books and writing.

Though I spent only a few years in confusion here, I lived twenty years in that world.

Twenty years of hardship, diligence, relentless study, until one day I achieved mastery!

My poetry and verse were famed, music, chess, and painting held no secrets for me, my writings spread far and wide. Just as I thought of returning home, that world vanished in smoke, and then—I awoke that day…”

Zhang Shiping and Liu Shi stared at Zhang Yu, unable to speak for a long while. Their eyes held not a trace of doubt, only shock born of complete faith.

“Twenty years…! My poor child, how much suffering you endured alone!” Liu Shi’s tears flowed as she hugged Zhang Yu tightly; Zhang Shiping breathed heavily, finally saying, “Truly, a blessing in disguise! All these years of sorrow were a prelude to Yu’er’s return. I was amazed by your extraordinary behavior since awakening—now it all makes sense! How many lifetimes of fortune have I accumulated to be father to such a chosen child!”

Held tightly by Liu Shi, Zhang Yu was bewildered: “I was even preparing to redeem a shortened version of ‘Farewell to Ma Sheng of Dongyang’—why aren’t you suspicious?”

It was a fair question. If he’d said this to modern parents, they’d drag him to the hospital or check his temperature for a fever.

But in this era, before science was common, mystical tales had real traction. For example, Liu Tingzhang, who claimed to be the Black Emperor slaying the White Emperor, born of dragon god and mortal, whose birth was heralded by signs and wonders—people believed him without question.

Ancient folk trusted the supernatural most; to lie about such things would risk divine wrath. Moreover, deceiving parents was deeply immoral, so before Zhang Yu could unleash his grand tale, the test was already passed.

…

Zhongshan Kingdom, Wuji County.

A chestnut steed trotted briskly down the broad street. The rider set up several low platforms as obstacles, then mounted. With a tug on the reins, the horse leaped high, clearing the barriers and landing steadily.

“Good!”

“Beautiful! Do it again!”

“That riding skill is truly remarkable!”

The crowd cheered, drawing passersby and young nobles from nearby mansions.

“My dear sister, why are you still here reading? I hear there’s a splendid show outside—the brothers and sisters have all gone. Won’t you go and see?”

“If the others wish to go, let them. Though the sounds are enticing, Luo’er feels such things aren’t fit for girls to watch.”