READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Shadows in the Court
Zhang Hao returned to his study, closed the door, and let out a deep sigh. He looked around at the shelves filled with bamboo scrolls and ancient books, the air scented with the faint aroma of ink. He walked over to the bookshelf, his fingers lightly tracing the ancient characters, his mind filled with modern doubts.
He muttered to himself, "Are there really immortals and monsters here? Do Nezha and Jiang Ziya really exist?" He shook his head, feeling as if he had fallen into a vast whirlpool of history and mythology.
He decided to start researching the history and mythology of this era, hoping to find some clues. He picked up a bamboo scroll that recorded the rise and fall of the Shang Dynasty and some strange tales. He read intently, trying to find places where modern knowledge could be applied.
As he read, he suddenly laughed out loud. The mythological stories recorded on the scroll were vastly different from the plots he had seen on TV dramas. He thought to himself, "If I really meet Nezha, I must ask him if the Wind-Fire Wheels are really that cool."
He continued to flip through ancient texts, contemplating how to survive in this era. He knew he couldn't directly reveal that he was a time traveler, or he might be treated as an outsider. He had to carefully conceal his modern knowledge while using it to protect himself.
Among the pile of ancient books, Zhang Hao found a special one. The cover was adorned with strange symbols that looked like some ancient form of magic. He curiously opened the pages and found records of knowledge about Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, and the art of Qimen Dunjia.
Bi Gan's eyes lit up as he remembered that in some modern novels, this knowledge was used to predict the future and change luck. He thought, "If I can master this knowledge, can I stand firm in this era?"
He began to study the book earnestly, trying to understand its mysteries. He found that this knowledge was not as simple as he had imagined; it required profound internal energy and a deep understanding of the laws of nature.
He smiled wryly and shook his head, thinking, "It seems I have to start from the basics." He decided to find an opportunity to consult Jiang Ziya, as he was a wise man of this era and must have unique insights into this knowledge.
As he read, Zhang Hao's thoughts began to wander, and he fantasized about what it would be like if he really learned these spells, if he could become like the immortals in TV dramas, summoning wind and rain, omnipotent. He even fantasized about collecting all the beauties who appeared in the "Investiture of the Gods" into his embrace, imagining himself as an ancient Casanova, conquering the hearts of beauty after beauty with modern romance and wisdom.
But soon, he was amused by his own wild imagination. He shook his head and laughed at himself: "Zhang Hao, are you dreaming? This is ancient times, not a TV drama; how could there really be spells and immortals?" He realized that his fantasies were absurd and decided to be down-to-earth and study these ancient books to see if he could find any practical knowledge.
He continued to flip through the ancient books, but his fantasies grew like weeds. He imagined that if he could really learn these spells, would he become a hero of this era, or at least a somewhat famous sorcerer? He even fantasized about using his knowledge to change history, which would be a great thing.
But in the end, he returned to reality. He knew he had to act carefully and not let others see his peculiarities. He had to hide his modern knowledge while using it to protect himself.
As night fell, a grand banquet was held in the palace. As a senior official, Zhang Hao was naturally on the guest list. He dressed in his most magnificent court attire, put on his jade pendant symbolizing his status, and entered the brilliantly lit banquet hall.
At the banquet, King Zhou sat in the main seat with Daji nestled beside him. Zhang Hao noticed a hint of imperceptible cunning in Daji's eyes. He was on guard and decided to keep a low profile during the banquet to avoid unnecessary attention.
After three rounds of drinks, King Zhou suddenly suggested that the ministers perform to help with the drinking mood. Zhang Hao was taken aback; he couldn't play the zither or dance, what should he do? In a moment of inspiration, he decided to tell a modern joke to cope.
He cleared his throat and said, "Your Majesty, I am not talented, but I am willing to tell a joke for you." He told a joke about a modern person traveling back in time and causing many laughs due to not understanding ancient etiquette.
King Zhou and the ministers laughed, and Daji couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh. Bi Gan took the opportunity to observe Daji's reaction, trying to find some clues. He noticed that while Daji was laughing, a trace of deep thought flashed through her eyes.
After the banquet, Zhang Hao returned to his residence, but his heart could not calm down for a long time. He decided to sneak into Daji's palace at night to see if he could find any clues. He changed into black clothes and quietly left his residence.
In Daji's palace, the lights were bright. Zhang Hao carefully avoided the patrolling guards and came to the outside of Daji's bedroom. He heard the conversation between Daji and a palace maid.
The maid said, "Your Majesty, what do you think of Minister Bi Gan's joke?"
Daji chuckled, "This Bi Gan is quite interesting. His joke seems to hide some profound meaning."
Zhang Hao was shocked; he didn't expect Daji to be able to hear the profound meaning in his joke. He decided to retreat for the time being to avoid being discovered.
He quietly left Daji's palace, pondering Daji's words in his heart. He realized that Daji was not a simple character; her wisdom and insight far exceeded his imagination.
Zhang Hao returned to his residence and sat in his study, unable to sleep for a long time. He knew he had to be more careful in dealing with Daji and also had to speed up his study of the knowledge of this era.