A Time-Traveling Zombie Romance (GL) - Chapter 14

I entered the imperial garden, which was filled with all kinds of flowers and many peach trees. It was April, and the peach blossoms were in full bloom. A gentle breeze blew, and the petals drifted through the air. I stretched out my hand, and a single petal fell into my palm. I picked it up and inhaled its faint, delicate fragrance. The sky had fully brightened, and the entire palace exuded a lively energy.

We walked past countless rockeries and finally arrived at the center of the garden. There was a stone table with five stone stools. Zhang Fei was already seated on one of the stools, waiting for Zhang Ming and me.

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince have arrived,” Eunuch Meng said softly beside Zhang Fei.

“Your Majesty!” Zhang Ming and I bowed in unison, fists clasped.

“Hehe, my royal brother and royal nephew, rise. No need for formalities,” Zhang Fei said, standing up and helping us.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

As I stood, I noticed another figure beside the emperor.

“Your Majesty, who is this person?” I asked.

The man wore a Daoist robe and held a fly whisk. His thick eyebrows and large eyes gave him a stern appearance, and faint wrinkles marked his face. He had a mustache under his nose, and a trace of black aura floated above his forehead.

“Oh, Qi’er just returned to the capital yesterday. It’s natural not to recognize him. This is my state tutor, Wu Xu,” Zhang Fei introduced.

“Greetings, Prince and Crown Prince,” Wu Xu said in a neutral tone, clasping his fists.

Zhang Ming and I nodded slightly.

“Crown Prince, I see a faint pink light appearing between your eyebrows. It seems you will soon have a romantic encounter,” Wu Xu smiled.

“Hehe, how does the tutor know this?” I asked.

“I am somewhat skilled in divination and physiognomy,” Wu Xu replied.

“I see… then I shall wait to see if your prediction comes true,” I teased. I didn’t trust Wu Xu—he had a strange aura, and I noticed a faint demonic energy in his brow. With his high-level Daoist abilities, what was his purpose in approaching the emperor? I frowned, lost in thought.

“Your Majesty, I must return to prepare medicines for you. I will take my leave,” Wu Xu said.

“Very well,” Zhang Fei smiled.

Once Wu Xu left, the atmosphere lightened.

“Royal brother, Qi’er, please sit,” Zhang Fei urged.

As I sat, Zhang Fei continued, “Haha, my royal brother, when Qi’er was born, I missed the chance to see you. Who would have thought that this one missed opportunity would last sixteen years? Time flies. In the blink of an eye, Qi’er has grown so handsome and intelligent. Your suggestion regarding the South-to-North Water Diversion this morning impressed me greatly.”

“Hehe, Your Majesty overpraises me,” Zhang Ming said with a smile.

“Your Majesty, it was nothing really. It’s quite simple; you needn’t overcomplicate things,” I said, taking a sip of tea.

“Oh? Qi’er seems confident. How about this—shall I find you a position in the court?”

“Ah, no, Your Majesty. I’m not suited for government. I’ve roamed freely since childhood and am not accustomed to official duties. I’d rather travel instead,” I quickly declined.

“Qi’er is carefree, but I will not let such talent slip away. However, I have a solution that benefits both sides,” Zhang Fei said with a smile.

“Oh? What solution?”

“I can appoint you as a third-rank inspector. You will travel across provinces and cities, catching corrupt officials for me. Upon completion, I will reward you handsomely,” Zhang Fei said.

“Your Majesty, this is too much! Qi’er just returned to the capital and lacks the experience for such a high post. He may not be able to handle it,” Zhang Ming interjected anxiously.

“No matter, I believe Qi’er is capable,” Zhang Fei said.

“What reward?” I asked, my eyes brightening.

“That, I shall keep secret. You’ll know when the time comes,” he replied.

I quietly calculated in my mind: I could travel, catch corrupt officials, and receive a great reward. Why not?

“Very well, it’s decided,” I said with a smile.

Zhang Fei laughed heartily, while Zhang Ming sighed and shook his head. Little did I know, I had already stepped into Zhang Fei’s trap.

After chatting for some time, we finished our morning meal in the palace and returned to the prince’s residence.

Later, Zhang Ming summoned me to his study.

“What does father wish to discuss?” I asked, bowing.

“Why did you agree to the emperor’s request?” Zhang Ming asked sternly.

“I thought it was a solution benefiting all parties. Why not?” I replied.

“You realize you’ve fallen into the emperor’s trap, don’t you?” Zhang Ming said loudly, showing signs of anger.

“Trap? I don’t understand, father,” I said.

“Listen carefully. Our Zhang family has few heirs. The former crown prince died in battle, and the previous emperor then made Zhang Fei the crown prince. The emperor is now nearing forty, without an heir. Three Prince Zhang has a son, Zhang Zibao, around your age, and I have you. Eventually, the throne will fall to either you or Zibao. By agreeing to the emperor’s request, you have essentially placed yourself in line for succession. Be aware, many officials are loyal to Three Prince, and he desires Zibao as heir,” Zhang Ming explained.

“What? It’s so complicated? Had I known, I wouldn’t have agreed,” I said.

“Regret changes nothing. Politics is treacherous. I’ve also learned that Three Prince has secretly been forging weapons and recruiting soldiers. He may rebel,” Zhang Ming continued.

“Since I’m entering officialdom, there’s no turning back. Father, are there many of Three Prince’s men in the provinces?” I asked, realizing the gravity of the situation.

“Yes,” Zhang Ming answered.

“Then we can use this opportunity to gather evidence against those officials and hand it to the emperor, weakening Three Prince’s influence,” I said.

“Good, but I fear Three Prince may hire assassins against you,” Zhang Ming frowned.

I laughed. “No fear. I’ve trained in martial arts for ten years; those killers won’t trouble me,” I said, joking.

“Good. Confidence is important, but caution is still necessary,” Zhang Ming said, patting my shoulder.

“Understood,” I replied.

“All right, you may rest now,” Zhang Ming said.

“I will take my leave,” I said.

After returning to my room, I read for a while before heading to the rear garden of the residence.

Though not as grand as the imperial garden, the rear garden had a refined elegance. All the flowers had been transplanted from Jiangnan by Zhang Ming, with small bridges, flowing water, and unique rockeries.

I drew my sword and began practicing on a clearing. Each swing, thrust, and parry looked graceful but contained hidden intricacies. My white headband floated with my movements, and the falling peach blossoms in the gentle breeze created a dreamlike scene.

Suddenly, I sensed a gaze watching me from the shadows. “Who’s there?!” I shouted, stopping mid-practice.

“Brother… it’s me,” Siqing said, stepping from behind a tree with her head lowered.

“Oh? It’s Qing’er. What are you doing here?” I said, softening and smiling.

“Uh… just passing by,” she stammered, blushing.

“Oh, just passing by? Where are you headed then?” I asked, walking closer.

“I… I’m going to Sister Yun’s,” she said, glancing away.

“Hey, Qing’er, when talking to someone, look them in the eye. It’s impolite otherwise. See? You’re almost a drifting ghost!” I adjusted her posture gently.

Siqing trembled at my touch, blushing deeply. When I mentioned “drifting ghost,” she asked, confused, “Brother, who is that?”

“Just someone I know,” I replied, laughing.

“Who?” she pressed.

“Ah, never mind, you wouldn’t understand. Let’s go. I wanted to visit Sister Yun anyway. Come along,” I said.

Siqing followed silently, touching her face to hide her blush, muttering, “Mother said men can’t enter a lady’s room.”

“Hehe, I’ve always stayed with Sister Yun since childhood. Sleeping together is nothing,” I said, laughing as we walked.

Siqing was shocked.

“Senior Sister!” I called as we entered Yunxi’s room.

“Junior Brother! Eh? Qing’er is here too? What brings you both?” Yunxi greeted warmly.

“Just passing by,” we said together.

“Come, sit here,” Yunxi invited.

We chatted, had lunch in her room, and played chess in the rear garden in the afternoon. The day passed quickly, and we dispersed at night.

Later, I left the residence with only two servants, heading toward the bustling streets of the capital.

Looking at the busy streets, I asked, “Xiao Wu, where’s the most fun place in the capital?”

Without hesitation, he said, “The most fun place is the Drunken Dream Pavilion.”

“Drunken Dream Pavilion? Is it that fun?” I asked.

“Yes, young master. It’s the favorite place of all the young gentlemen in the capital,” Xiao Liu added.

“Ah? Isn’t that a brothel?” I asked.

“Yes, young master,” Xiao Wu replied.

I laughed. “All right, let’s check it out.”

We soon arrived at the pavilion. It was large, four to five stories high, adorned with lanterns. Many poorly dressed girls waved handkerchiefs from the windows, calling out, “Young master, come play~~!”

At the entrance, girls tried to pull people inside. As I approached, they all lit up at my appearance and competed to get close.

“You’re so handsome! Come in and play with me!” they urged, trying to drag me inside. The strong scent of rouge made my head spin.

Xiao Wu and Xiao Liu stayed obediently at the entrance.

Without any defenses, I had walked right into it. Inside, the pavilion was even livelier. The main hall had a stage, and tables below were filled with young gentlemen holding girls, kissing them, some barely covered. On the upper floors, rooms were closed, but sounds of passion leaked out. Many gentlemen immediately dragged girls into rooms.

Four or five girls pulled me to a second-floor seat. They fought for my attention, calling for drinks and dishes. Suddenly, a beautiful girl sat on my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck and feeding me wine from a small cup.

“G-Girl… I… I can’t drink,” I stammered, embarrassed, trying to resist.

“You don’t like me offering you wine? Then I must insist,” she said, pouting. She brought her lips to mine, guiding my tongue, and the wine entered my mouth.

I froze for a moment, then stood up in shock, coughing violently. My face turned red, green, and white.

The girl, surprised by my sudden movement, fell but quickly stood up, complaining, “Why are you so unappreciative?” Then she smiled, “But… your lips are so soft and sweet,” licking her own lips.

I turned pale, saying urgently, “Enough! Go away! I don’t need any girls!”

She pouted but seemed to remember something and left, giving me a quick peck on the lips before running off, blushing and smiling, “I think I like you now! See you later, hehe.”

I sank back onto the seat, touching my lips, whispering, “My… first kiss… gone.”

After a while, a middle-aged woman, dressed as a madam, climbed the stage. “Gentlemen, please wait. The Drunken Dream Pavilion’s courtesan, Meng Hui, will soon perform.”

Soon, maids drew silk curtains around the stage. A girl in pink appeared from backstage, holding a guzheng. She set it on a small table and began playing beautifully. Her music was dreamlike, captivating everyone, including me.

After the piece ended, the audience applauded, some whistled, calling out, “Meng Hui, Meng Hui!” I smiled, sipping my wine and enjoying the performance.

I didn’t notice the girl glancing at me from the second floor, her lips curling slightly.

After the performance, the madam approached me. “Young master, Meng Hui requests your presence.”

I was momentarily stunned. The entire hall watched me with envy and admiration.

I stood, bowing to the madam. “Please lead the way.”

I followed her toward Meng Hui’s room. Behind me, the other young gentlemen murmured among themselves.