Chapter 4

• The realization brought a mix of relief and gratitude, alleviating some of the initial shock as she grappled with the uncharted territory of her new existence.
• With a composed demeanor, Wu Xiayi raised her head and cast a discerning gaze over the individuals who remained in a state of prostration.
• "Stand up. Explain to me what transpired," she uttered, her voice adopting a delicate yet authoritative tone, reminiscent of Yan Jing, the older brother of Yan Shu who held the rank of a colonel.
• Despite Wu Xiayi's accustomed informal way of living, it was always in the presence of a caring family and those who cherished her.
• Being alone in a foreign place like this prompted her to exercise caution.
• "Your Majesty, please forgive this humble servant for inquiring, but have you experienced memory loss?" asked the chief physician with a sense of trepidation.
• Wu Xiayi surveyed the room, contemplating the physician's question. The air held a hushed anticipation, waiting for her response.
• Wu Xiayi blinked, deeming it a prudent idea. She adopted a stoic expression and stared intently at the physician, who appeared to be the leader of the individuals now standing and bowing respectfully before her. After a moment of thoughtful silence, she nodded.
• "Yes. So, explain to me, what happened to me? Who am I? And where is this place?"
• "In response, Your Majesty, you are the third emperor of the Great Wang..."
• Wu Xiayi's eyes instantly lit up.
• Turns out, she was an emperor!
• Fantastic.
• Yay.
• Exciting.
• She internally cheered but tried her best to conceal it, maintaining the composed facade as she absorbed the revelation.
• Recollections of her former life at the age of fifteen flooded Wu Xiayi's mind, where climbing trees with Yan Shu and Lin Mei in the family garden brought joy and simplicity.
• However, in this new reality, she discovered herself ascending to the position of emperor during her teenage years – a genuinely captivating twist.
• With a healthy physique and a handsome countenance, even in the midst of apparent illness, the realization that she held the esteemed title of emperor added a sense of promise and intrigue about the path her life in this world.
• Wu Xiayi nodded with satisfaction.
• "...when you were strolling in the garden at night, you fell into the pond. You were frozen by the cold temperature and lost consciousness...."
• The recounting of the circumstances leading to her current state left Wu Xiayi's mind in a state of disbelief.
• How could a seemingly healthy teenager meet their demise by merely falling into a pond?
• During an evening stroll?
• It made no sense!
• It defied all logic and reason, raising a curtain of skepticism around the peculiar circumstances.
• The chronology of death seemed highly suspicious.
• As she grappled with the information, she arrived at the unsettling conclusion that the previous owner of the body she now inhabited had indeed met an untimely end.
• Otherwise, how could she have entered this body?
• As Wu Xiayi turned her gaze towards the window, the delicate leaf patterns carved into the frame offered a view of the falling snow, a serene yet heavy descent.
• The winter scene outside prompted a moment of reflection, and with a sigh, Wu Xiayi reluctantly entertained the notion.
• After all, people could succumb to hypothermia, the unpredictability of life.
• "...this is the Dragon Palace, the primary structure within the imperial palace of Great Wang," the doctor concluded, providing context to the architectural grandeur that surrounded Wu Xiayi.
• Acknowledging the doctor's explanation with a nod, Wu Xiayi found solace in the realization that she now resided in an opulent residence, befitting her elevated status as an emperor.
• Despite the initial bewilderment, the allure of her surroundings hinted at a life that held the promise of grandeur and significance.
• Casually leaning into her newfound role, Wu Xiayi inquired, "By the way, what's my name?"
• Her tone reflected a newfound sense of ease, having effortlessly embraced the peculiar circumstances around her.
• The opulence of the Great Wang palace and its surroundings had become, in her mind, a part of her domain.
• "In response, Your Majesty, your name is Wang Zhenyi. You bear the title of the third emperor of Great Wang," the doctor responded with a respectful bow, emphasizing the regality that now adorned her identity.
• Wu Xiayi gracefully acknowledged the information with a nod.
• Wang Zhenyi.
• That was her name now.
• It resonated with authority, and she made a silent commitment to carry this name from now on.
• In that precise moment, a proclamation resonated from beyond the confines of the room.
• "King Rong is here to visit Your Majesty!"
• Wang Zhenyi's reflexes guided her attention towards the open door.
• Stepping into the regal ambiance of the chamber was a tall figure, draped in opulent attire that radiated an imposing aura.
• This man, approximately in his forties, sported a thin beard that added a touch of maturity to his appearance.
• The air around him held a palpable sense of authority as he entered the room.
• "Hail King Rong," intoned the doctor, leading the assembly in a synchronized bow as they paid homage to the approaching figure.
• Wang Zhenyi executed a perfunctory bow as King Rong drew near.
• Despite the seemingly formal gesture, there lingered an air of disdain in the king's demeanor that Wang Zhenyi couldn't ignore.
• It became increasingly clear that life within the palace held nuances far beyond the initial allure of grandeur and opulence.
• "Respects to the emperor. The king is truly delighted to see Your Majesty has awakened," the words flowed smoothly, laced with apparent goodwill.
• Yet, Wang Zhenyi, perceptive to the subtleties, caught the hostile gleam in King Wang's eyes—a stark contradiction to the ostensibly benevolent sentiments expressed. The undercurrent of animosity did not elude his discerning gaze.
• Ah, let King Rong nurture his resentment; as long as Wang Zhenyi could revel in enjoyment and lead a comfortable life, the king's animosity mattered little.
• "I'm pleased to have awakened as well. However, King Rong should be aware that the incident led to a loss of many memories. So, please don't find my potentially trivial and troublesome questions in the future burdensome," Wang Zhenyi expressed, a sweet smile gracing his pale lips.
• Hearing this, King Rong squinted his eyes, scrutinizing Wang Zhenyi's pallid face with suspicion.
• The one under scrutiny casually redirected his attention and said, "Let's prepare a meal; I'll dine with King Rong."
• Wang Zhenyi couldn't ascertain whether it was morning, afternoon, or evening. The view outside the window was dominated by a sea of white.
• Fortunately, the room emanated a cozy warmth, and the high-quality warm attire he had just adorned clung to his body, providing unparalleled comfort. The fabric was not only stylish but also served its purpose impeccably.
• So, despite the seemingly thin clothing, he remained unaffected by the cold, basking in the comfort of the well-chosen ensemble.
• Despite the absence of visible heating devices, the ambient temperature remained pleasant.
• The floor, covered with intricately woven rugs, added to the luxurious feel of the room. Wang Zhenyi marveled at the craftsmanship of the furniture, each piece meticulously carved with ornate patterns that reflected the grandeur of the era.
• Suddenly, a subtle realization dawned on him — this was a world where technology and aesthetics harmoniously coexisted, unlike the stark contrast he knew from his previous life.
• The sophisticated heating mechanisms of the ancient era were beyond his understanding, prompting a subdued chuckle at his own quaintness in this bygone time.
• King Rong, trailing behind Wang Zhenyi, approached the dining table, narrowing his eyes in a fierce gaze as he caught the sound of the emperor's subdued laughter.