You can conclude infinite interpretations from your own understanding and experiences and don't be lazy to comment it down that would be very helpful for me to be able to know your favs. You can give me a topic too about your own mood and I'll create one dedicated to you or to someone else.

You can conclude infinite interpretations from your own understanding and experiences. Share your own stories on the comment section, and enjoy reading.

Some people say that he is a young genius, and some people say that he is an arrogant fool. Some people say that he is a playboy, and some people say that he is a peerless man... The 
    film critics love him, the fans are crazy for him, the female stars want to approach him, the theater owners are more like him as God... look at his The list of works, both Oscar-level literary classics and phenomena-level commercial writing, he always leads the trend of the film. 
    A Chinese-American devotee who studied in Harvard West Lake Middle School, wakes up in time and embarks on a glorious thorn road to save his family and pursue his dreams. 
    Ye Wei, a film master is on the rise.

Blake Austin. 
Seventeen years old.
Medium high height.
Lean body.
Olive skin.
Black hair.
Dark eyes.

In case you are wondering, that's me. Blake Austin. 

My Father's sur-name wasn't Austin. It was Williams. David Williams. Once I asked him why he chose Austin for my sur-name. He said that Austin is a sur-name of a famous author. Some of her works were considered 'Classics'. 

Were. Not anymore. 

I've read some of the dystopian novels of your age, stored safely and properly in a hidden chamber of my Father's closet. No one knows. Not a single soul.

From those novels, I got to know that some people, of your age, thought a Future Dictator would destroy every kind of literature to make the fellow servants unable to think like a scholar.

Little did they know what would actually happen.

They didn't destroy the literary works, nor did they replace them...

They changed them. The OneGov changed the precious works of the Past. They analyzed every word, every sentence, every paragraph and changed the parts they thought went against them. 

No one knows. That the books are not original... without the Leaders. 

As my Mother is a Leader, my Dad knows too. And from my Dad, me. He has some very old and original versions of 'classic' novels... a whole bookshelf. with other literary works. Poetry, Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia.

"Who gave you these books?" I remember asking once I finished a book called The Hunger Games. 

My Father said, this book was very famous. 

You may not recognise it. Maybe your time is far, far behind. But don't worry. Suzanne Collins will be born when the time will come and she will, one day, start writing about the life of Katniss, Peeta and lovely Prim. I will not talk about Gale... for some reasons, (maybe unknown reasons) I hate him. No. I dislike him. Hate is such a strong word.

Anyways, back to the topic. I was younger then. Classics seemed boring. Dystopia seemed exciting. So, I settled in reading dystopias.

"Many of them, I inherited from my Father, your Grandpa. Some of them, I bought from Black Market," my Father replied, handing me Catching Fire, the next book of the series.

"What is Black Market?" my little self asked.
"You'll know once you grow up."

Contended with the reply, I started surfing through the life of young Ms. Everdeen.

So, yeah. I am one of the very, very, very few persons who have tasted the real works of literature. 

Those days have become old.

My life is boring. My people are boring. And I am desperate to change it. Desperate. You hear me?

My Mother is a Leader of OneGov. My Father - is dead. Mixed with nature. And my world is overtaken by the OneGov.

My life continues to be boring until one day...

One day, my best friend shows me the hidden Academy of rebels. Then, my life turns. My life turns to be adventurous. That's what I wanted, right?

...until I fell in love...
...and until... the paradise was lost...



After getting the all clear from the doctor, Nam Mu’s days became filled with learning and training. In the morning, he and Li Jie would have breakfast and meet Nam Gil at the archery field. They would first do archery then go to the sparring field for sword fighting. After having lunch they would spend horse riding until dinner. Nam Gil taught them how to ride bareback, shoot arrows and sword fighting on horseback. On the weekends Mule would take him and Li Jie around town. Some nights he would go to the stables to talk to Saja, they would talk about everything and nothing until he fell asleep. The next day, Nam Gil and Li Jie would find him the next morning, asleep next to Saja. The others quickly noticed that Nam Mu’s speed in learning became unusual. In just a few days he became not only fluent in Hangul but also proficient in most of the languages spoken in and around Cheonsanju. Nam Mu knew it was extraordinary but he tried to enjoy his new found ‘ability’. “Maybe I should fall off my horse too!” Li Jie was looking at Nam Mu in amazement. They were out riding and had met a lost man on their route. The man was from Mongolia and didn't speak anything else. Nam Mu had managed to explain in Mongolian how to get back to the road that leads to the capital. “What do you mean?” Nam Mu looked confused. “Don’t tell me you don’t find it weird that you can understand and talk to that man! When did you learn Mongolian anyway?!” 

Nam Mu scratched his head. “Master Jin gave me some grammar books from all over the world. I’ve been studying them." Li Jie gave him a shocked look. "Grammar book! You're saying that you became nearly fluent in Mongolian from just reading a book?" Nam Mu scratched his ear. "Of course not.... When the man started to talk... It became much clearer.... It’s just that for some reason I just…I just have to read, see or hear it. I can’t really explain it.” Nam Gil gave Nam Mu an understanding look. “I think I know what you mean. Whenever you see or hear something, it will be engraved in your mind. You just have to think about it and you can recall it straight away.” Nam Mu nodded enthusiastically “Yes, that is what it is.” Li Jie gave him a jealous look. “So hitting your head really made you smarter.” Nam Mu and Nam Gil looked at him, shaking their heads. “I'll make your wish come true. I'll hit you with a rock to see if you can also learn everything better.” Nam Gil looked around to see if he could see a good rock. Li Jie looked terrified. He knew all about Nam Gil's strength. “I was just joking! Why are you looking around! I don’t want to die.” Nam Gil and Nam Mu laughed at Li Jie’s face. After a few minutes, Nam Gil turned serious."Li Jie is not totally wrong. I've talked with Jin about this. We think that after the fall you might have developed an exceptional memory. It's a good thing and we don't think it will affect you negatively. Make good use of it!" 

Before Nam Mu knew, the time for the royal examination arrived. The two days before the start of the examination, Jin called them into his office. Jin smiled at Nam Mu. "It's nearly time. You've worked really hard these last few days. We are going to explain a few things about the examination. You should know that this year's examinations are special for a few reasons." Jin held one finger up. "If I'm correct, the last examination was about 10 years ago." Jin looked at Nam Gil for confirmation but Nam Gil shrugged. Jin rolled his eyes but Li Jie confirmed Jin's words by nodding. Nam Mu frowned. "Why is that?" The others shrugged. "Nobody knows why." Nam Mu turned to Li Jie. "Have you ever asked you father?" Li Jie pulled a face. "I've asked but he was extremely vague. The only thing that was clear was that it would be like this for a long time. I've tried to ask again many times but I never got reasonable answer." Jin held his hand up. “We can talk about that later." He looked at Na Mu. "Listen closely. The examinations are called Gwageo and fall under three broad categories: mungwa (literary examinations) , mugwa (military examinations), and japgwa (miscellaneous examinations). Japgwa covers topics such as medicine, geography, astronomy, and translation. The gwageo is virtually the only pathway to a position of rank. The tests typically quite demanding, the royal tests measured candidates ability of writing composition and knowledge of the classics[1]. This might be Chinese classics but they can also cover other classics. A few people know which classics and it also depends on who is conducting the test.'' Jin looked at Nam Mu to see if he understood what he had said. He started to laugh when he saw Nam Mu’s confused face. "What don't you understand?" "The last bit." “The test can be conducted by the King or the Crown Prince." Nam Mu nodded, finally understanding what Jin meant. 

"My father said that the form of writing varied from literature to proposals on management of the state. Technical subjects can also be tested to appoint experts on medicine, interpretation, accounting, law and many more. Also the tests are never the same. That’s why I’m so jealous of you learning speed. With your memory you can get the highest grade, at least for the literature part." Li Jie added. Making Nam Gil and Jin nodded "The gwageo were originally administered every three years. These regular examinations were known as the singnyeon. However, the singnyeonsi became less important over time, and an increasing number of candidates took the gwageo only on special occasions. Such as the alseongsi (visitation examinations), which were administered when the king visited the Shrine of Confucius at the royal academy, the jeunggwangsi (augmented examinations) held during national celebrations and the byeolsi were held on other special occasions. However, these special examinations were limited to the literary and military examinations." Jin ticked off the test with his fingers. Jin took a sip of tea and glanced at Nam Gil. Nam Gil shook his head. When he saw Nam Mu nod again, he continued his explanation. 

"We think this year's royal examination will be the byeolsi. It's very likely that the Crown Prince will be ascending the throne in a few years. I'm sure he and the king are using these tests to create his own officials and military. The literary and military examinations used to be administered in three stages. An chosi (initial qualifying test) administered in the provinces, hoesi (a second examination) conducted in the capital. In which the qualifying candidates were selected, and jeonsi (a third examination) in the presence of the king. The successful applicants of the last test will be ranked in order. Each stage compares the answers of the other applicants. The number of successful applicants are fix, only when there is something extraordinary will there be a change. The number is only revealed at the end of each test. The applicant, who receives jangwon (the highest score) in the literary examination are given a post of the 6th junior (jong) rank[3]. If the jangwon is already employed in a position of rank, he will be promoted four levels. The candidates with second and third highest scores are given a post of the 7th junior rank. The rest are not guaranteed a post, but had to wait until one became vacant. The miscellaneous examinations are only the first two stages. They will not be ranked but will get rewards. The military examinations has a mixture of military and literary criteria. The first stage of the test is a practical test of various military skills, focused on Goryeo archery but the second stage, in which the successful applicants are selected, was an oral examination of applicants knowledge of the Confucian canon and certain classics of military thought. Of importance are Sun Tzu's Art of War, as well as Hanbizi and Wuzi. The third stage, in which the candidates are given a rank, is again based on practical military skills. These include horsemanship, and mounted archery." 

Nam Mu had a frown on his face. "But I didn’t do the chosi. Can I still do the hoesi?” The others nodded. “That’s why this year’s tests are unusual. Nobody has done the chosi. They skipped that part. Remember that we were worried about your status as a slave. They won’t be looking at that either.” Nam Mu looked at Nam Gil. Nam Gil could see the disappointment in his eyes. “Nothing will change. I’ll still be your father.” Nam Mu looked relieved. The idea that he would lose Nam Gil as his father had made him sad but luckily that wasn’t the case. Jin tapped his nails against the chair twice. “I think they are really in need of people, that’s why we think the Crown Prince will become king soon.” Nam Mu didn’t really care about all that. He was sure that he wouldn’t get the top marks anyways. Jin’s next word changed that. “This is important because every king has his own way of governing. The Crown Prince is someone who’s for abolishing the nobi system.” Nam Mu's mind went in overdrive. Even though he would soon become a commoner. He still felt that the nobi system was too flawed and cruel. He had heard and seen many innocent people become a slave because of jealousy, greed and envy. If he could become a 6th junior rank. He might be able to make a change, if he impresses the Crown Prince. “Can I do anything if I get the highest score?” Jin had a sly look in his face. “You’ll be noticed if you get the highest score. You’ll have to impress everybody to make yourself known. This will be a double edge sword. You’ll get recognition but there will also be people who will want to stop you.” Nam Mu had already guessed this. “You all will make sure that nothing will happen to me, right?” Jin gave him a reassuring nod. “I’ll make sure that I’ll get high marks too.” Li Jie had a confident look on his face. 

Jin had a complicated look on his face. “Don’t forget, Mule will be there with you two but don’t tell him yet. I don’t want him to become big headed.” The other laughed because Mule had been grumbling for weeks, that he was not allowed to go to the palace. Jin clapped his hands. "Alright. I think we've covered all the important facts. Rest well tomorrow. We've have no idea what to expect during the test." Nam Mu and Li Jie said good night and left for the Willow pavilion. When the boys had left, Nam Gil and Jin looked at each other. Nam Gil had a smirk on his face. "It's going to be a full blown war. I hope they don't crack under pressure." Jin gave him a glare. "I wanted to tell them but you stopped me." Nam Gil scratched his head. "I know but they need to find out on their own. We do not even know what the byeolsi is going to be. How can we tell them what to expect? It's best if they find out for themselves. We can only guide them." Jin laughed. "Those are my words! Since when have you become an intellect?!" Nam Gil scoffed. "I'm not a fool. I used to be a star student." Jin feigned a surprised look. "You!" Nam Gil stood up. "I'm going to bed too. If I stay longer one of use will not live to see another day." Nam Gil left, leaving Jin alone. "Hope the Gods will leaned the boys a helping hand." 

[1] This is during the Joseon period. 

[2] Special examinations. 

[3]a system similar to caste systems. It's a very very long explanation, so let's just skip it.

BOOK HAS BEEN DROPPED. MIGHT WRITE A NEW VERSION IN THE FUTURE!!

The next day.

In the morning, in his bedroom.

Dong dong, his mother was knocking on his door.

"Little Ye, get up!"

"OK mom."

"Quickly, you have to report to Peking University today!"

"I'm already up and putting on my clothes."

"Your dad and I have to go to work now! Do well."

Thump. The sound of the door closing sounded from outside. His dad and mom had left the house for work.

Zhang Ye stretched himself and walked to the bathroom to wash up. He then changed into a casual suit, something that didn’t look too rigid on him. Soon after, he left the house too.

......

Today was the 2nd of January.

Some people were still enjoying their holidays while others had already started work and school.

For example, students from Peking University, who were locals or had relatives here, were now going back to school after the New Year’s celebrations. The main entrance was filled with students and teachers walking in and out. Everyone here had a face and aura that was lacking in other normal universities -- Confidence, maybe even that slightest bit of pride. It was not strange, since they were students of a prestigious institution in the country that was ranked first. The people here were the cream of the crop. They had the qualities to be proud of themselves.  Zhang Ye himself could be considered as someone who graduated from a prestigious university. Beijing Broadcasting College -- now called the Media College was also considered one of the top institutions in the country, but compared to Peking University, it wouldn't even be worth a mention. The two were on two totally different levels.

In front of him was Peking University.

Beside it was Tsinghua University.

In the past, when Zhang Ye was still schooling, he would look up at these two universities whenever he walked past Zhongguancun Street, but now, he no longer had that awe and envy when he faced them. This was because the Zhang Ye now was no longer the same as before.

As he did not have his breakfast, he was feeling a little hungry. Zhang Ye was looking out for a place to eat when he was still in the car. The street opposite conveniently had a stall that served breakfast. He got off his car and walked over. In the stall, the tables were full. Zhang Ye could only choose to sit out in the open.

The boss of the fried dough sticks stall shouted over, "What do you want to eat?"

Zhang Ye did not hesitate, "Stir-fried liver and half a tray of buns, please."

"OK, it'll come at once." The boss said.

On the other side of the open air sitting area, there were around 7-8 university students. It was not known whether they were from Peking University or Tsinghua University, or from other universities nearby. This was a place where all the famous institutions were located at.

The fried liver arrived and Zhang Ye, who was still wearing his shades started eating. He did not use a spoon. It was an old Beijing tradition to eat by holding the bowl and then 'sucking' in the stir-fried liver into the mouth. As to why there was such a tradition, Zhang Ye did not know. He had been eating it like this since young. It was a matter of being used to it, yes, even though this style of eating was loud and inelegant.

The students seated over there were chatting.

Yao Mi bit into her fried dough sticks and sat with her leg raised said, "We really chose the wrong elective class this time. Don't you think we're really such fools. Why did we even choose 'Appreciation of the Classics' elective?!"

Li Ying was also depressed, "Yea, that's right. Back then, the elective name made it sound like it was a really simple class, at least compared to the other electives. We had mostly read the Four Classics and some other classic literary works. Even if we had not read them before, we'd have watched the dramas on TV. We would at least have some understanding of it, so we thought it would have been easier if we chose this elective, but goddamn it, who'd have thought that Professor Wang's health could not keep up? This semester's almost over and the other elective classes are already preparing for their exams. And us? This semester's 'Appreciation of the Classics' classes have not even had a few lectures. We did not learn anything or know what would be tested. How can we even pass like this? I think none of us should expect to get credit for this class. If we don't pass, we'd still have to choose another elective next year. We've wasted this semester for nothing!"

Her brother, Li Li did not know to laugh or cry, "We can't blame Professor Wang. His diabetes condition worsened and I heard that he's still in the hospital. It seems rather serious."

Li Ying smacked his lips and said, "Then we should at least have gotten a substitute teacher!"

Yao Mi blinked and said, "I did hear that the school was currently looking for someone, but there hasn't been a suitable candidate so far."

"There are so my famous teachers in the country, how could there be no suitable candidates?" Li Ying asked.

Yao Mi replied, "I know there are a lot of people who'd want to come teach at Peking University, even if it's just as a substitute teacher, the glory is still the same, but it seems like our Vice President Wu who's taking charge of the Chinese department was not interested in them. She felt that they did not have the abilities, that's why it's been dragged out until now. It's not wrong, famous classics have already been taught over and over too many times. Even television dramas about them have been overproduced. The knowledge of those classic are already quite well known to many people, so how could they be expected to be taught differently. It's only our Professor Wang who managed it rather well, which is why finding someone to replace him would be difficult. Do you even know what kind of place Peking University is? We're the 1st placed educational institution in the country. A normal teacher would never be admitted casually. The school definitely demands for the best amongst the best, otherwise we wouldn't be called Peking University."

Li Ying stroked his unshaven mustache, "They demand for the best, but neglected us. At least arrange for a substitute teacher to guide us through the examinable materials!"

Li Li said, "Who knows, they might even pass us without an exam."

"Wishful thinking. Other schools might do that, but how could it happen in Peking University." Yao Mi sniffed, "Don't think about such wonderful outcomes. Even if there are proper reasons, the school would never resort to such methods. At most, they would relax the grading requirements, but even so we've only had 2 lessons this whole semester. How can we pass like this? And the classes were even from a few months back. I can't even remember the things that Professor Wang taught us anymore!"

"Me too."

"Hai, quickly get us another lecturer."

After finishing this topic, they skipped to other topics in their conversation.

Zhang Ye overheard everything as he was having his breakfast. These were Peking University students? "Appreciation of the Classics" class? The lecturer was sick and in the hospital with diabetes? Not many lessons in the whole semester? Zhang Ye suddenly had a very good understanding of the situation. Now he understood why even though Wu Zeqing only had less than an hour of conversation with him after spotting him on the plane, she'd invited him to teach at Peking University. It turned out that it's because of this tricky situation that had led her to invite him to save the situation!

She really does trust this bro!

Not bad, you've found the right guy after all!

If it were about other things, he wouldn't be so confident, but speaking about famous classics, this was his strong point. The "Analysis of the Three Kingdoms" that Zhang Ye had brought over from his world, didn't it get rave reviews from everyone? When he thought of this, Zhang Ye was reassured after feeling jittery about his teaching skills. If President Wu had pulled him in to teach contemporary literature or similar classes, he would definitely not be confident. This was due to the fact that he hadn't even read most contemporary literature, novels, or poetry that existed in this world. He might not even have heard of some of them before, so of course that would be quite difficult to teach, but for classical literature, it was different. This world's Four Classics still existed, other classics like "Classic of Mountains and Seas", "Analects", or even foreign classics like "The Holy Bible" all still existed. All of these works had affected and influenced the world too much. The game ring had been unable to change any of these background history, otherwise the cultural development or even the whole social structure of this would would be greatly affected. The world would no longer be what it was now.

After accidentally finding out the situation from those Peking University students, Zhang Ye felt very happy and relaxed. After he had his fill, he stood up and drove his car onto campus. He did not choose to walk as the school compounds covered a very wide area. Even a public bus would have to go around 5 stops before it could complete a round of the compounds.

On campus.

Zhang Ye made a call to Wu Zeqing. Du, du, du. 3 rings and the call connected.

"Hello, President Wu. I've arrived."

"So early?"

"Yes, I said I would be here early. Should I go around the school a little?"

"We're preparing to start our meeting here, but...why don't you join us? It would be good. You can come directly to the Chinese department. It's on the east side of the artificial lake where the flower beds are. You should be able to find it, I will send someone to meet you there." Wu Zeqing's voice was ever so demure.

Zhang Ye liked listening to her speak, "OK, I will be right there."

He arrived at the flower bed area. His car was not allowed in here, so he parked it nearby.

......

Peking University.

Chinese department, West Building 2, 6th floor.

It was a small meeting room, with a conference table in the middle. Around it were about a dozen Chinese department leaders and professors. Other common lecturers were not qualified to join this meeting.

Wearing casual white pants and light yellow suit for ladies, Wu Zeqing sat at the end of the table. She sat down with a smile as she hung up the phone. She then placed the cellphone on the table beside a fountain pen, which she aligned almost perfectly, "He'll be arriving soon."

A middle aged man said with satisfaction, "President Wu's network is really large. This hole in the wall has finally been patched up."

Another old man said thankfully, "Finally someone has come. The students have become very unsettled over the past 2 months."

A middle aged man, who was in a suit, said, "Yes. If there's still no lecturer filling in, our 'Appreciation of the Classics' elective would no longer be offered next semester."

The three people who just spoke were:

Chang Kaige -- Dean of the Chinese department.

Yan Jiantao -- The oldest and most experienced professor in the Chinese department. He's also a symbol of the Chinese department, as many students applied to the Chinese department just based on the name of Professor Yan.

Zhen Shuquan -- The secretary of the Chinese department, the nominated head of the department, but had little real power. He was in charge of the administration of the department and his qualifications and prestige were not as high as Professor Yan.

These three people were the main leaders of Peking University's Chinese department.

Wu Zeqing asked, "How is Professor Wang doing now?"

Yan Jiantao sighed, "I went to visit him at the hospital yesterday. His health is recovering slowly, but he’s definitely still not fit for teaching. I had a chat with him and he told me that he plans on retiring."

Wu Zeqing nodded, "It's more important to recuperate. Professor Wang has been at the forefront of education for so many years, even at his age. It was already very hard on him. About this year's opening of full Professor, I think we should give it to Professor Wang. I will report it to higher management and push for it to be approved within the month. Does anyone have any objections?"

"No objections."

"He deserves that."

"Of course there's no objection."

All of the Chinese department's representatives at the meeting nodded their heads.

Whether it was Professor Wang's qualifications, or from a special treatment point of view, no one could refute this decision. Besides, the matter had already been decided by President Wu. They couldn't possibly refute that. Wu Zeqing was Peking University's Vice President, who also oversaw the Chinese department and several other key departments. She was the leader of all those present at the meeting.

Secretary Zhen Shuquan suddenly said, "President Wu, who is the professor that you invited to join us?"

Chang Kaige said, "I heard that Professor Sun from Renmin University retired? His research in the field of classical works is considered to be very good. Did President Wu invite Old Sun over?"

Yan Jiantao was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, "Old Sun would never come here. He spent his entire teaching career at Renmin University."

Zhen Shuquan also frowned, "Professor Sun? It can't be him, right?"

Wu Zeqing smiled slightly and took a sip of tea, "I did not look for Professor Sun. I recognize his teaching qualifications, but I didn't think he'd be suitable for an elective like 'Appreciation of the Classics'. His style is too rigid and wouldn't be attractive to the students. As for Doctor Chen, who was recommended by Old Chang, after finding out more about him, I did not ask him to join us either. I've seen Professor Chen's literature research papers and though I found them to be very outstanding, I do not think that he has the eloquence in speaking. He can write, but not speak, so he would not be able to take over the role from Professor Wang."

Oh?

Professor Sun was not suitable?

And neither was Doctor Chen?

Isn't that setting too high a standard?

Yan Jiantao asked, "Then who did you find?"

Wu Zeqing casually looked at her watch, "When he arrives, you'll know. I feel that this person is the most suitable candidate to teach such an elective class. In my opinion, from his teaching style, his lecture style and his literary level in literature, no one domestically would be more suitable than him to teach a class like 'Appreciation of the Classics'."

Chang Kaige, Zhen Shuquan, and the others all looked at each other.

The other Chinese department professors and lecturers all had their curiosity roused.

No one more suitable than him? Isn't President Wu's assessment of him too high? Who could it be? Who was it? Which professor? Hai Gui? Or could it be someone from a famous school?

Suddenly, there was knock from the door.

Dong dong. A school administrative staff said from outside, "President Wu, he has arrived."

"Come in." Wu Zeqing revealed an elegant smile.

The door opened and the staff showed him the way in, "This way, please."

The next moment, Zhang Ye walked into the meeting room, "President Wu."

The moment they saw Zhang Ye, everyone except for Wu Zeqing looked dumbfounded! Who was this? Why was he so young? He looks like he's just past twenty years of age?

Among them, someone had recognized him!

"Zhang Ye?"

"Isn't this the lecturer from 'Lecture Room'?"

Some did not know him well, as they were all in the academic field, but as Zhang Ye was quite well known in Beijing, they knew who he was the moment they heard his name!

"That's him?"

"Isn't he the one who did the Talk Show in Shanghai?"

With Zhang Ye's appearance, Chang Kaige, Zhen Shuquan, and the others nearly fainted. They couldn't react at all!

Wu Zeqing ignored the uproar and spoke calmly to Zhang Ye, "Teacher Little Zhang, why don't you introduce yourself to everyone?"

So Zhang Ye introduced himself to them. Actually, even if he did not do a self-introduction, everyone would still know him. After all, Zhang Ye was considered to be a celebrity unlike those professors here. His exposure rate was so high, that even the old Professor Yan Jiantao knew him. In fact, he knew him to be a literary hooligan. In the literary circle, Zhang Ye's name was notorious!

Subsequently, Wu Zeqing invited Zhang Ye to take a seat and then introduced him to everyone present.

Those who attended the meeting kept staring at each other, some wiping off their sweat, some tapping on their heads, some speechlessly looking at the ceiling. Their expressions were all very strange!

It was him!

Why did President Wu invite such a hooligan to join their department!?


Zhang Ye was originally a mundane college graduate with aspiring dreams to become a star, but unfortunately has below average looks and height. However one day, he woke up and suddenly found himself in a parallel world! 
It’s like the same world, but wait a minute…many brands, celebrities and even famous works from his world changed and are gone in this new world! Armed with the profound literary knowledge of his previous world and a heaven-defying Game Ring that gives him magical items, stats and skills, Zhang Ye embarks on a journey to pursue his life-long dream of becoming famous!
Follow Zhang Ye as he takes the new world by storm, one plagiarized piece at a time, to hilarious reactions!

Articles about sex scenes in books usually fail in one of 3 ways. They often:

Give such a short love scene that you're begging for more but can't find a longer excerpt online
Feature Romantic or Erotica novels with busty men or bodice-rippers on the cover
Offer sex passages from the classics (D.H. Lawrence, anyone?) that everyone knows and has already read (what's wrong with modern sex writing?)
The sex scenes below are literary fiction. But don't run away! They're really good sex and really good writing, and yes, those things can be combined. I'll prove it to you.

Just read the first couple of excerpts below and you'll find steamy, romantic, arousing sex writing. Writing that doesn't make you cringe from bad prose. Writing that offers a number of pleasures to be had — psychological, word-play, beautiful descriptions. These are some damn fine love scenes in books.

Before we get there, a quick quiz: What is the difference between erotica and sex in literary novels?

In erotica, the sex is never bad.

It's always vagina-blowing, cock-swelling fantastic. 

But in the excerpts below, sometimes the sex scenes don't go as planned, or one of the partners wants something he is not getting. It's not all roses and multiple orgasms. In short, it's more like the complexity of real life, which sometimes arouses you and sometimes depresses you.

Writers, read these sex scenes in books and learn! Don't fall into the trap of writing terrible sex scenes and earn yourself a nomination for the Bad Sex in Fiction award. Glean from this wisdom. Study and prove yourself approved. As Steve Almond has recommended, if you want more insight into how to write sex, there's no better text than the Song of Solomon.

I also have to make a pitch for a nonfiction work that features some of the sex scenes in books below: The Joy of Writing Sex. (For those of you who are old enough, that's a clever play on the famous 1972 book, The Joy of Sex).

And for those champions of diversity who are going to try to VIDA count these excerpts according to the diversity of sexual acts, please know that I tried my best to choose racy novel excerpts that illustrated a wide range of human sexuality. If I did not happen to hit upon your specific form of sexual entertainment, I humbly apologize in advance (but seriously — there must be something here that entertains you)

report this, please. I'm 12 and this is all porn

In truth, Fan Xian did not know that he was practicing a profound spiritual art. If he had become a soldier, he would train carefully, practicing with utmost caution, and ask for the aid of a teacher or the watchful eye of a trustworthy friend.  
The most dangerous aspect of this practice was in the fundamentals. When accumulating one's qi in the dantian and xueshan - the pubic region and the coccyx - an enormous discrepancy will arise between the reaction speed of the practitioner's body and spirit. The most direct consequence of this is the immobilization of the  practitioner's bodily functions,  which will leave them in a vegetative state.  
 
When this happens, the inexperienced practitioner may falsely believe  that they have lost control of their senses, and forcibly channel zhenqi into the organs. If they are both fortunate and exceptionally strong, they may be able to redirect the body’s scattered zhenqi into the meridians, but this will all be for naught. If this happens to a novice, they may begin to panic, and this may lead to actual demonic possession.  
 
Though also a novice, Fan Xian could not only kept control of his senses, but was able to comprehend this mysterious feeling with more ease than some of the strongest practitioners. This was partly thanks to the experiences of his previous life, and partly thanks to luck.  
 
When he had begun to practice manipulating this obscure zhenqi force, his new body was that of an infant. The innate energy he had drawn from his mother's body had not yet completely returned to the world; it remained within him. Thus, his training advanced effortlessly so that, miraculously, a great part of this innate zhenqi remained in his meridians.  
 
Consequently, those obstacles which are most likely to stump the average practitioner were no trouble for Fan Xian.  
 
In his previous life, Fan Xian's illness confined him to his sickbed for a number of years, and he was long accustomed to his brain having no command over his body. So when he first encountered this situation, he did not panic, but instead felt the warmth of the memories of his past.  
 
Thus, during his first attempt at practice, just as he became vaguely aware of his qi, it dispersed. When this left him paralyzed, he remained unafraid.  
 
It was exactly his absence of fear which kept his mind clear and undisturbed, allowing him to easily surmount this most challenging of obstacles.  
 
From that point on, his practice became easier. He needed only to contemplate the secrets of the art, and he would enter a meditative state. This helped Fan Xian sleep soundly throughout his daily nap; even thunder did not wake him.  
 
Most practitioners found it difficult to enter such a state because it was largely reliant on chance and coincidence. To be able to meditate during one’s daily nap like this child did was an indescribable luxury.  
 
Heaven truly smiled upon him.  
... 
... 
As soon as he awoke, he found his cute little face writhing against a towel held by the servant girl who washed him.  
 
In the afternoon, he began to study in the library under the tutor whom the Count had specially invited from the Eastern Sea to teach him. This tutor was not particularly old by any means; no more than thirty.  Yet his body gave off the decrepit odor of someone much older.  
 
Literary culture had greatly improved across the state of Qing over the past decade, and ever since the publication of the scholar Hu Shih’s Discussion on Literary Reformation, battle lines had been drawn between "old language" and "new language".  
 
The so-called "old language" was what Fan Xian remembered to be classical Chinese, while "new language" was similar to written vernacular Chinese, though perhaps a bit more refined.  
 
Fan Xian's tutor was an ardent classicist, and so Fan Xian spent every day poring over one classic text or another. Although these classics were rather different from the Four Books and Five Classics, the classical literary canon of Fan Xian's world, they were astoundingly similar in moral content, and even featured the same schism as that between Confucianism, Mohism, Legalism, and Daoism.  
 
When he had his first lesson, Fan Xian started wondering just where he actually was.  
 
It was a stuffy summer and the humidity hung in the air of the library. The tutor opened the south-facing window and the crying of the cicadas carried by the cool, refreshing breeze penetrated the room. He turned around and saw his young pupil slumped over the table, lost in thought. He was about to summon up some words of rebuke, but somehow lost the mettle to do so when he looked upon his charge's fair, gentle face. 
 
In truth, he quite admired the boy. Though young, he spoke eloquently and knew quite a bit about what their forebears had written on virtue. For a four-year-old urchin, it was really quite impressive.  
 
The tutor also had doubts. Count Sinan seemed so anxious, and the demands in his letter had been so great that he felt forced to obey. Now he had to begin teaching the scriptures to this young child. If it were any ordinary person, they’d only be studying a few characters at that age; puerile stuff, really. 
 
At the end of the lesson, Fan Xian politely saluted his teacher and respectfully waited for him to leave the library. Then he shed his outer layer of clothing, already drenched with sweat, and ran out of the library. The anxious servant girl followed, rushing after him shouting, "Be careful!" 
 
He stopped when he reached the courtyard and a silly, innocent smile spread across his face. Like a little adult, he swaggered into the room and, upon seeing the old lady sitting in the center, yelled out sweetly, "Nainai!"[1] 
 
The old woman smiled kindly, the deep wrinkles on her face showing her age. Only occasionally, her eyes would flash in a way that let people know that this was no ordinary old lady. It was said that Count Sinan owed everything he had to this woman’s presence in the capital.  
 
"And what did you learn today?" 
 
Fan Xian stood politely in front of her chair and told her everything he learned from his tutor that day. After saluting her, he went to the side courtyard to eat with his younger sister.  
 
The relationship between the old lady and her grandson was a strange one, perhaps because Fan Xian was an illegitimate child. Though the old woman never mistreated him, she expected a lot from him, so there was always a slight feeling of distance.  
 
Fan Xian remembered this old lady cradling him as he cried when he was just a newborn. She could never have imagined that a newborn baby could understand what she said to him, let alone remember it so deeply.  
 
"My child, it's ok if you want to blame your father for this. Poor little one. Just born, and your mother's no longer with us." 
... 
... 
History - this was perhaps the biggest question on Fan Xian's mind. The moment he arrived in this world, he witnessed a murder. He knew that his father was Count Sinan, whose face he had never laid eyes on - but who was his mother? That year, Count Sinan had followed the emperor's army on his expedition to the west, and the murderers had come to kill Fan Xian's mother.  
 
His body was home to a soul that had come from another world, so he could never feel any sort of filial emotion toward the Count. But, from time to time, he thought of that long-dead woman whom he called mother.  
 
[1] "Nainai", or"grandma", referring specifically to one’s fraternal grandmother. 


A family inclined to kindness and charity would grace the descendants.
Thanks to one small act of kindness,
by providence she comes across a grateful friend;
Fortunate that her mother,
has done an unperceived good deed….

Men should rescue the distressed and aid the poor…
Who would have guessed that kindness in this world ultimately would be the road that one must choose, that proverbial fork in the road?

Clouds of rain float on eastern winds as new vines start to blossom.
Though drums of war roar too loudly and their brilliance has been lost,
a green grass carpet greets the sun by the break of morning.
Let us wait for the yellow leaves, a few gourds are harvested.

"Since this is your first lucky draw, a list of possible rewards is provided to give you an idea of what you can get. But this is the only time we will be doing this. On your next lucky draw, all the rewards will be hidden. The reward tiers will be different depending on the color, respectively black, white, blue, purple, and the highest tier, gold. But gold rewards will only appear on high-tier lucky draws. As for purple rewards, there will be a chance for them to appear on all tiers of lucky draws, so their appearances will be completely random. Start now, young man. Start your bright path of life!"

"Spin!" Jiang Bai yelled inwardly. Next, the nine slots on the slot machine started spinning rapidly, all of them passing by the arrow repeatedly. A few seconds later, they slowed down as the different colors continued dashing past the arrow.

"I want to get rich overnight, get rich overnight..." Jiang Bai couldn't help but start chanting inwardly as he watched the slot machine spinning. His eyes were fixed on the purple slot with such concentration his eyes were turning bloodshot.

Slowly, the white slots moved past the arrow. "RMB 100,000", "high-leveled mixed martial arts proficiency", one by one, they moved on. And finally, a black slot stopped at the arrow. Jiang Bai nearly fainted then and there.

"Fuck!" Jiang Bai nearly jumped in anger. So he was going to get nothing? Nothing?

"Huh? Wait..." Jiang Bai was already prepared to start cursing, but with astonishment, he noticed that the slot machine was still spinning. It was merely spinning at a speed so slow one could hardly see it moving. At the exact moment, he was about to curse, the purple slot with a massive question mark on it stopped at the arrow.

"Congratulations, young man. You have obtained a purple reward, special ability, photographic memory!" The system's voice rang out, with a slightly toying and mocking tone.

At the next second, a gush of energy rushed into Jiang Bai's body. His head ached, and next, numerous memories erupted within his mind. All his memories since young, even those from his infancy, all surfaced with clear clarity as if he had just experienced all those. And those memories included not only the memories of this body, but they also included everything he had experienced in his past life.

Jiang Bai could remember clearly the scene of his mother cooking him dumplings when he was young, and he could recall that feeling of happiness from the past. Bit by bit, all the memories resurfaced. Without realizing it, tears were already streaming down his cheeks at the realization that he could no longer return to the past, nor could he see some people anymore.

Jiang Bai wiped the tears off his cheek and rubbed his head, tossing all those recollections to the back of his mind. He rejoiced that he had obtained the photographic memory ability, and at the same time, he also started reevaluating his current life. His first decision was that he could no longer stay here. He had to move somewhere else.

Although a house with rent as cheap as Jiang Bai's current house was very rare in the Upper East District, he did not believe that he would not be able to find a new house in the massive Tiandu City. A smart man would never intentionally put himself in danger. He could not stay here any longer. After packing up his belongings which included a shabby second-hand computer, he left the house he had been staying at for over half a year. Equipped with a saving of only RMB 10,000, he went looking for a new residence.

Jiang Bai found a middle-class neighborhood within the city. The security of that place was decent, and it was also located near the city center. The transportation system of that area was good as well, while the surroundings of this neighborhood were flourishing. The apartment was about 100 square meters. It wasn't too spacious, yet it was so much better than his previous dilapidated home.

Of course, the rent was much higher as well.

After paying the rent, Jiang Bai found with astonishment that he did not have much money left. He only had a few thousand RMB to his name, and even this was only possible after he tried his very best to persuade the owner to accept only two months upfront rent for now.

It was not that Jiang Bai couldn't find a cheaper apartment, but in his past life, he lived decently. He was a person with his own house, his car, and a decent amount of savings. Thus, he could not stand staying at the kind of houses the previous owner of this body had been staying at.

"Life sure is hard. How has this kid been living his life? He is 23 years old yet he has zero accomplishments. He has been working for about four years since high school graduation yet he has only been making enough to feed himself. No decent job, all alone, and still a freaking virgin. This is quite a sad life." By the time Jiang Bai was done unpacking and cleaning up, it was already very late at night. Carrying a bowl of instant noodles on his hand, he grumbled about his current life without stop.

Jiang Bai was so poor he couldn't even afford to add a piece of ham to his instant noodles. This was a truly sad life. "I won't be able to continue working the security job for now. What should I do then?" He started wondering. He did not have much money on him, and he was effectively jobless as well. He had to avoid Great World for now as Liu Bin and his people would go looking for him sooner or later.

In any case, even without this incident, Jiang Bai was not content on continuing working as insignificant low-ranked security personnel. If he agreed to that, it would be an insult to the "cheat" he had obtained from his transmigration.

"Huh? I got an idea..."

Suddenly, Jiang Bai thought of something. He quickly turned on his computer and started searching on the internet. After a while, he stood up laughing heartily. He found that this world was indeed somewhat different than the Earth he came from. Although they were identical, there were still some differences here and there. For example, literature. Many literary works of Earth had never appeared in this world before.

This caused Jiang Bai's eyes to lit up as if he had discovered a gold mine. He was certain if he recreated the literature works that once rocked his previous world, he would be making waves in this new world. At that time, he would be making so much money he wouldn't be able to spend them all. At this thought, a wide smile formed on his face.

Alas, though a dream would always be perfect, the reality was cruel.

Right after Jiang Bai made his mind to pirate the famous works of his previous world to become a leading figure in the literature world, obtaining both fame and fortune, he recalled that he was, in fact, a person without learning or skills in his previous life. That stunned him greatly.

With Jiang Bai's photographic memory ability, he could recall everything from his past life. He found that during his previous life, he had been focusing on making money and had never spent any time reading. The four great classics? He could forget about that. The four great classics existed in this world as well. Even if they did not exist here...it's not like Jiang Bai had read those works. Harry Potter? What's that? Yeah, Jiang Bai had no idea.

Legends of the Condor Heroes? Demigods and Semi-Devils? Works of Jin Yong and Gu Long? Well...apart from watching some TV adaptations of those works, Jiang Bai had never read any of them. In his previous life, he only had education at a high-school level. He was fine watching some TV series, but reading? Reading such classic books? No way.

Jiang Bai also found with great sadness that although he had read a lot of those tremendously popular web-novels, the books he had finished reading were less than five, and those were mostly some unpopular books.

"I am a human tragedy!" Jiang Bai slapped his forehead, deeply regretting his past actions.

"Forget it. It's not like I am particularly interested in becoming a super writer. I should think of something else...Huh? But I still remember a couple of books and it won't be too hard making some money off those books?"

After rearranging his thoughts, Jiang Bai decided to give up on this path of literature that seemed so bright. But toward the end, he suddenly recalled a certain book he had once finished reading.

Zhu Xian!

Jiang Bai woke up one day and found that he had transmigrated to a parallel world that is similar to Earth. Stuck in the body of a weak and cowardly loser, he was granted a cheat system to forge the path of a tyrant in this new world. With the cheat system, he grew in strength, amassing great wealth and influence.

As he grew in power, he discovered that this world was not what it seemed after all. Legends and myths were not mere fabrications, and this world was much more dangerous than it seemed. How would Jiang Bai fare in this new world?

Not long after the embarrassing incident earlier, both Sakura and Ken proceeded with constructing their PowerPoint presentation in Ken's MacBook. Sakura still needs to work hard in the cafe if she also wants to purchase a laptop of her own.

"Here it is, the definition of the quadratic equation," Sakura pointed a page to Ken in which the latter leaned his head a bit to look closely before typing it all down on his laptop.

It was at that exact moment that Sakura felt her heart beating so hard that she thought she was having a mini-earthquake inside of her. She could also feel her hands shaking a bit as well.

That's why Sakura quickly looked away before the guy could notice that she was staring at him.

Following that, Ken also started writing down sample equations from the book so that they could show the whole class how to answer them next Tuesday.

They went on like this in the next couple of minutes until they were able to finish the whole PowerPoint presentation and Ken is now in the process of proofreading every slide to see if there are typos or misspelled terms that they missed to see earlier. So far, there were none 

On the other hand, Sakura sneaked a glance at her wristwatch and was happy to see that there is still time for her for leisure reading before she goes off to work. 

Looking back at Ken, she asked, "Are we done here yet?"

Ken was still typing a few words on the laptop before he clicked the period button and tilted his head to his right to look at the girl seated beside him.

"Yeah, I think we are done here," he replied.

Sakura beamed. "Great! Then you can leave now while I find a fiction book to immerse myself with."

After that, she stood from her seat without waiting for Ken to respond and simply walked away to the shelf where the fiction books are neatly arranged in alphabetical order.

Sakura was then filled with excitement once she saw that the shelves were filled with literary classics like The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, To Kill A Mockingbird, and many other great books that she wasn't able to purchase!

Seeing the bookshelf filled with these kinds of books truly ignites her introverted heart!

Sakura then starts selecting what to read but later finds herself having a hard time deciding what to read first. Oh, this is truly a troublesome experience for a bookworm, you see!

 Having debated for a few minutes which classic to read first, she then chose The Great Gatsby and collected other classics that she didn't pick to be borrowed later for her to read in her apartment along with this one.

Sakura was already on her way to the counter to borrow these great books when she also happened to go past Ken, who is currently choosing books to read as well.

"Oh, I thought you already left," Sakura pointed out, and eyes the guy sliding his fingers at the books placed on the third row.

"Just wanted to check for some books to read here," Ken said casually with his eyes still fixed on the books.

Sakura shrugged, "Oh, okay then. Happy reading." before turning on her shoes towards the library counter to secure a borrow slip for all the books she planned to read at home.

It only took her less than a minute before her books got approved for take home before she occupied a vacant table nearest to her and sat down to start reading.

In under an hour, Sakura read almost a fourth of The Great Gatsby 

She was so immersed in it that she didn't feel Mori Ken took the seat on her right and also began reading one of Anne Rice's literary works, The Feast Of All Saints.

It was not later than a minute that Sakura turned to the next page when she finally noticed the guy sitting next to her that she forgot what she was reading for a brief moment. She was at loss for words as she witnessed Ken so immersed with his book. Every flick of those pages with his slender fingers and every blink of his eyes makes the girl's lips part in awe.

Truly, she hasn't seen any man who is as sexy as that just by merely reading alone.

Wait, did she just think Mori Ken was sexy? She must be insane for thinking like that!

Sakura, knowing that she would lose focus with this man next to her, stood up from her seat in frustration, causing Ken to turn away from the book he was reading to look at the girl who just stood up beside him.

Sakura stormed off from here without hesitation and ran to the door, hoping to get out of here and away from Mori Ken as soon as possible before her mind is totally corrupted by thinking ridiculous thoughts.

Forget about leisure reading. I'm going to finish all of these at my apartment after work!
***

Sakura might indeed be successful in avoiding Ken's enchanting presence at that time, but a few hours later at work, she finds herself face-to-face with him once more when he enters the cafe's door.

"W-welcome home, master," Sakura welcomed him amiably, but also felt a cold sweat roll down her back for seeing him not long after ditching him at the library earlier.

Sakura, it's not like he knows it's you he's facing right now!

Just like the usual thing she does, Sakura would lead Ken to his seat and write his order right away. Then she would dash inside the kitchen to relay his order to the cooks to prepare his food. 

Once his food is done, Sakura would pick it up from the counter and start turning on her shoes right away to go back to his table as quickly as possible. 

When she went to his table to serve his order, she caught sight of him sitting with his book from earlier, and she was once again charmed by his dashing introverted presence...

She is that masked maid he keeps seeing at the cafe whenever he needs someone to talk to, and he is that anonymous online friend of hers that constantly makes her smile whenever she's feeling down.

But what happens when these two keep crossing paths with one another at school without knowing about each other's secrets that lie beneath their sleeves?

Join Hayashi Sakura and Mori Ken in this romance-comedy novel that will make you realize that love may be as hard as others were saying for introverts like them.

----

Message me at my discord account for any inquiries: AteJanz#0657

Book cover by: Chainslock

Chapter 1095 – Mandarin House

One month came and went quickly.

Using the overpowered effect of the recruitment board, Ouyang Shuo was filled with happiness and worry during this month.

He was happy because the effects were exceptional. In just a month, Great Xia had attracted 40 different ranked historical talents. Amongst which, there was a god level steal like Zeng Guofan.

The moment Zeng Guofan arrived, Ouyang Shuo invited him into the Cabinet.

Name: Zeng Guofan (God Rank)
Title: Top 10 ministers in history
Dynasty: Qing Dynasty
Identity: Great Xia Cabinet elder
Occupation: Civil Servant 
Loyalty: 75
Command: 80
Force: 40
Intelligence: 80
Politics: 98
Specialty: Famous Minister (raises territory honesty by 40%, raises territory efficiency by 25%, raises literary standards 15%, raises territory ruling standards by 30%)
Book: Nine Chapter Law
Evaluation: Zeng Guofan had the ability to read people, using his knowledge to promote talented people. He had great knowledge and foresight, working for the greater good of the public instead of himself, a rare skilled person in history. Although he was not good at fighting, he was able to promote many generals. His plans were really exquisite, which was how he was able to get a group of capable men to sweep the rogues and become the top minister of Zhongxing.

Zeng Guofan was born in a landowner family. Since a young age, he loved to learn. At eight, he could read the four classics and recite the five scriptures. At 14, he could read literary choices like The Rites of Zhou and Records of the Grand Historian.

In the 18th year of Daoguang, he became a Jingshi, becoming the disciple of Grand Council minister Mujangga. Then he became a Cabinet advisor, department of rites assistant minister, the minister of various departments, Provincial Governor, Zhili Province Viceroy, Wuying Hall Grand Secretary, and more roles.

When the Taiping Country started running, he established the Xiang army to wipe them out after many years of battles.

Zeng Guofan spent his whole life in politics, and his main belief was that one had to be diligent, honest, and humble and could not be arrogant because one was an official. He was a really disciplined person who focus on rites and politeness, using loyalty to do politics.

Under the suggestion of Zeng Guofan, the Qing Dynasty built China's first steamship, their first ordnance school, printed the first batch of western books, and arranged for the first batch of students to study in America.

As such, one could say that Zeng Guofan was the pioneer for the modern constructions in China.

With such a person who was familiar with ocean work as well as having a deep influence in Qing, the benefits toward Great Xia were evident.

Zeng Guofan had many reasons for choosing Great Xia. Apart from the influence of the recruitment board, he was invited by his disciple, Li Hongzhang. Furthermore, his ancestor Zeng Zi was also in Great Xia, which was why he came.

Coming along with Zeng Guofan were Zeng Guoquan and Zuo Zongtang, who both came from the Xiang army.

Ouyang Shuo was planning to expand the Household Legion Corps, and both of them were the top choices for Legion General.

Currently, Ouyang Shuo just arranged for them to enter the Household Legion Corps 1st legion. Along with Legion General Oda Nobunaga, they would build and train the 1st full firearm legion in Great Xia.

Apart from Zeng Guofan and his group, Cao Xueqin also arrived in Great Xia.

Cao Xueqin's great grandmother was once Emperor Kangxi's nanny, and his great grandfather was once the tutor and guard to Kangxi.

During the Kangxi and Yongzheng rules, the Cao family three generations helped to run China for 58 years. Their family was really huge, having power and strength, really rich and becoming the top family in Nanjing.

Kangxi went down Jiangnan six times and Cao Yin led it four of those times.

In the 5th year of Yongzheng's rule, Cao Xueqin was 13. In December, his hncle who was the Jiangning weaving department minister was jailed for disturbing the relay and polluting the air, shifting funds, and the like. In the Lantern Festival of the next year, his family was raided.

Cao Xueqin moved to Beijing along with his family, and since then, they were not as glorious as before, depreciating by the day.

Under such circumstances, Cao Xueqin obviously was not willing to return to Jingdu and live under the Qing Dynasty. On the contrary, Shanhai City had a great literary environment and did not restrict literary talents, and it was also a really open place that was suitable for him to stay in.

Along with Cao Xueqin moving into Xinan University, a System Notification spread across China.

"System Notification: Representative figure of the school of literary works - Cao Xueqin - has moved into Great Xia, fulfilling the three requirements for the school of thought to move in."
 ...
"System Notification: School of literary works move into Great Xia. Awarding Shanhai City the title of home of literary works, congratulations player Qiyue Wuyi!"
 ...
"System Notification: School of literary works move into Great Xia. The current Shanhai City title Land of Philosophers covers the new title given, awarding Shanhai City hidden building - Mandarin House, congratulations player Qiyue Wuyi!"
 ...
Name: Mandarin House
Type: Hidden Building
Function: After hanging a portrait of a civil servant within, can revive them.
Specialty: increases attraction toward civil servants by 20%, increases territory reputation by 5%
Note: a building built specifically for civil servants. Lord can pay a certain amount of gold to hang a limited amount of civil servant portraits within to revive them once without any added cost.

The Mandarin House had a total of four floors, the lowest one had a limit of Gold Rank and 50 people, each 10 thousand gold. Second was King Rank and 20 people, each spending 50 thousand.

The third was for Emperor Rank, 10 people, each 200 thousand. The top was for God Rank civil servants, limit of three with each costing a million gold.

With the Mandarin House, the civil servants of Great Xia would have an added layer of insurance.

As there was a limited number, the main reason for getting into the Mandarin House would be the best person in the yearly evaluation.

At the same time, Ouyang Shuo specially left 10 spots for old civil servants like Gu Xiuwen and Zhao Dexian.

Zeng Guofan, Cao Xueqin, and the like were only a small portion. Out of the 40 historical talents, half of them came from Qing Dynasty.

This was understandable.

If it were not for them not having a choice, there were few Han officials, especially those with ambitions, who were willing to work under Qing Dynasty. After appearing in the wilderness and after Great Xia obtained the orthodoxy, he naturally became their top choice.

Needless to say, Li Hongzhang, Zhang Tingyu, Tian Wenjing, and the like also played a role.

As for the ones from the Ming Dynasty, they were mostly chancellors and great ministers like Shang Lu. Although they came from the Ming Dynasty, the Great Ming in the wilderness only took up one prefecture. Without a space for them to perform, they would naturally go elsewhere.

The arrival of this batch of civil servants greatly increased the foundations of Great Xia, pretty much levelling the power difference with the generals. Of course, there were other problems that came from it.

Apart from that, during this month, Great Xia also had an unexpected surprise.
 


Earth Online – a virtual MMORPG that takes place in the future year of 2190 – a game that everyone will bet their futures on. Set in a map that is ten times the size of real-world Earth, players battle for supremacy in the first game to feature personal adventure, territory construction, and grand warfare. For every death you experience in the game, your level would drop back to zero. Ouyang Shuo, an above average player, suffered the ultimate betrayal. For merely a piece of equipment, his sworn brother betrayed and backstabbed him. This time, after he reincarnated in the game, Ouyang Shuo swore to exact vengeance.

However, in an unexpected turn of events, Ouyang Shuo found himself back five years before the betrayal – right before the launch of Earth Online. This time, armed with the knowledge from his past life, Ouyang Shuo would venture upon a new path.

How to perfectly complete quests? What historical battle maps would appear? How should one build up their territory? Utilizing the experience from the predecessors of his last life, Ouyang Shuo makes his bid for the top against all odds. Follow his journey as he seeks to lord over the world!

A different kind of tale that blends historical characters and virtual reality gaming, with heavy emphasis on kingdom building and warfare.

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