Chapter 3

• Wu Xiayi's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself in a state of disorientation, surrounded by a flurry of activity.
• "The revered emperor has regained consciousness," echoed a proclamation in the room.
• "Hurry, report to King Rong," urged another voice, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
• "Fortify security; we cannot afford any leakage of information," a stern command rang out, underscoring the gravity of the circumstances.
• The room pulsed with an air of tension and a palpable sense of the unfolding events in the political realm.
• Hearing the commotion, Wu Xiayi turned her head.
• Instantly, the clamor subsided, leaving behind an eerie silence in the room that felt utterly strange and alien to her.
• Observing the ancient attire, reminiscent of historical depictions found only in books and silver screens, Wu Xiayi furrowed her brow.
• What is happening here?
• Why is she here?
• Could these people still be engaging in dramatic acts amid such a dire situation?
• The stark contrast between the ancient surroundings and the tumultuous present left Wu Xiayi perplexed and searching for answers.
• A realization dawned on Wu Xiayi—something had changed. In stark contrast to the previous experience where she couldn't perceive any part of her body, she now found herself fully attuned to every sensation coursing through her.
• She assessed her physical condition, acknowledging a hint of pain and discomfort.
• However, in the grand scheme of things, these sensations seemed trivial, unable to disturb her newfound awareness and connection with her body.
• The anomaly of this transformation intensified the mystery surrounding her current circumstances.
• "What brings you all here?" Wu Xiayi's inquiry bore a tone of casual curiosity, yet the furrowed brow and the amalgamation of wariness and bewilderment in her expression sparked a misunderstanding among those kneeling by her bedside.
• A ripple of tension spread through the room as if the emperor's curiosity was misconstrued as displeasure.
• "Forgive this humble servant, Your Majesty. This humble servant was merely conducting an examination to ensure the well-being of your esteemed body," the chief physician spoke, his words draped in reverence, as he prostrated himself on the floor.
• The gesture was mimicked by those in his wake, each displaying a show of deference and respect.
• As the occupants of the room quivered in fear, interpreting the emperor's expression as a harbinger of displeasure, Wu Xiayi herself was struck by astonishment, realizing that the voice emanating from her wasn't the one she recognized as her own.
• Though the current voice lacked the weight typically associated with a man's, it distinctly deviated from the soft and melodious tones one would expect from a woman.
• In essence, this wasn't her voice.
• As she surveyed her surroundings, Wu Xiayi found herself plunged into confusion. The setting resembled an ancient kingdom, with everyone adorned in regal attire.
• The atmosphere resonated with the grandeur of a bygone era, leaving Wu Xiayi to grapple with the unfolding enigma of her inexplicable presence in this archaic realm.
• Her eyes finally locked onto a mirror. Swiftly, she threw off the covers, leaped down, and rose from her bed, making her way towards the reflective surface.
• The attending physician moved to restrain this sudden movement. "Your Majesty, you're not entirely recovered yet. Please don't move too much."
• True to his caution, her body felt slightly unsteady, but she managed to deftly grasp onto the nearest post for support.
• Despite the momentary lightheadedness, Wu Xiayi's determination prevailed as she steadied herself, showcasing a blend of resilience and adaptability in the face of her unfamiliar surroundings.
• "Don't touch me! Who are you?" Xiayi snapped sharply as the physician attempted to rise and steady her swaying form.
• The physician swiftly returned to a position of prostration, fear etched across his face. "Forgive my impudence. I am but an ordinary royal physician, Your Majesty. I promise never to touch your esteemed body without your consent. Please forgive my audacity!"
• His behavior sent tremors of fear and confusion through everyone in prostration, yet none dared to utter a word.
• Although the Young Emperor Wang Zhenyi was merely a puppet emperor, he was still the emperor.
• Only specific individuals had the audacity to tread upon his authority, and it certainly wasn't those who were mere officials and lowly servants.
• Ignoring the tense atmosphere around her, Wu Xiayi gazed into the mirror and was taken aback.
• Despite the mirror before her being a somewhat hazy copper mirror, it provided a clear reflection of her own figure.
• The revelation only deepened the perplexity surrounding her unexpected situation.
• "I... who... you said...?" Wu Xiayi mumbled, utterly stunned as she beheld the reflection of a handsome teenager, approximately fifteen years old, in the mirror.
• With fair complexion, pale lips, large eyes, and long black hair, he wore a thin, white garment that resembled the undergarments typical of ancient times.
• Blinking several times, ensuring that the young man in the mirror was indeed herself, Wu Xiayi was in profound shock.
• Sinking into a chair, Wu Xiayi steadied herself against the sturdy table, grappling with the bewildering reality of her transformation into a young man. The sheer incredulity of the situation left her mind reeling, struggling to reconcile her own identity with this unexpected shift in form. How could she suddenly inhabit the body of another, and a male one at that? It felt as though she had been thrust into the midst of a surreal drama, one where the lines between reality and fiction blurred into a disorienting haze.
• Although Wu Xiayi had encountered similar themes in novels about transmigration and reincarnation, the weight of experiencing such a phenomenon firsthand surpassed anything she had ever imagined. The disconcerting disconnect between her own sense of self and the unfamiliar vessel she now inhabited left her in a state of profound shock, grappling with a dizzying array of emotions.
• In an effort to steady her trembling nerves, Wu Xiayi drew a deep, steadying breath, seeking solace in the simple reassurance that she was still alive in the present moment. And while the realization of her new male form presented a myriad of challenges and uncertainties, there was a glimmer of relief in the knowledge that she would no longer be subject to the restrictive societal expectations placed upon women, including the burdensome role of a birthing machine. In this bewildering situation, perhaps there existed a silver lining amidst the perplexity—a newfound freedom from the constraints of gendered roles and expectations.