Chapter 5

• Wang Zhenyi eagerly surveyed the array of dishes laid out before him. Without any pretense of playing the role of a supposedly deceased emperor, he relished in the moment.
• For him, this wasn't about continuing someone else's life but embracing an existence entirely his own.
• Unlike the tales in various novels where a transmigrated emperor would retain memories, he found himself devoid of any recollections associated with this imperial persona.
• Even if suspicions arose regarding his distinct demeanor, so what? As long as he could employ the convenient guise of 'amnesia,' everything should be fine.
• "Who are you?" inquired King Rong, seated across from Wang Zhenyi, having dismissed all attendants from the emperor's chamber.
• Wang Zhenyi felt an inclination to roll his eyes but refrained from doing so. It seemed the intelligent interrogations were beginning sooner than he had anticipated.
• "King Rong, what do you mean?" replied Wang Zhenyi indifferently. His primary focus was on savoring the intriguing array of dishes laid out before him.
• Wang Zhenyi's relaxed and unconstrained movements seemed to irk King Rong instantly. The man felt that Wang Zhenyi's presence had become even more unsettling than before.
• "Your way of eating is different..."
• Wang Zhenyi's hand, in the midst of reaching for a dish, froze upon hearing those words.
• "...The way you address me, the way you walk, look at me, speak... overall, you seem like a different person," King Rong bluntly remarked, devoid of any courtesy.
• In these moments of privacy with the young emperor, King Rong felt liberated to discard any semblance of respect he might have shown before.
• With just the two of them, he could freely be himself. He couldn't help but entertain the notion that this little emperor, in the aftermath of his two-day coma, was merely a substitute. The real emperor might have fled somewhere else.
• King Rong's observation hung in the air like an unspoken accusation, and Wang Zhenyi, though maintaining an air of nonchalance, couldn't ignore the scrutiny.
• "Oh, this?" Wang Zhenyi grinned, deliberately slowing down his movements as he picked up a piece of meat. "Just trying out a new dining style, King Romg. Variety is the spice of life, they say."
• King Rong's eyes narrowed, his suspicion deepening. "And your speech, it has changed too. You used to be more formal, more restrained."
• Wang Zhenyi chuckled, "Ah, well, perhaps my recent experiences have granted me a new perspective. Life is too short for unnecessary formality, don't you think?"
• King Rong's piercing gaze remained fixed on Wang Zhenyi, contemplating the layers of his seemingly carefree demeanor.
• Wang Zhenyi brought the food to his mouth, chewing leisurely, and even nodded appreciatively at the taste.
• Seeing this, King Rong's expression turned exceptionally grim and dreadful. His jaw clenched, occasionally showing movements as if he were grinding his teeth.
• "I've mentioned that I've lost my memory. It should also influence my attitude and behavior. Oh, maybe I just feel more liberated for forgetting all my troubles from before the memory loss?" Wang Zhenyi chuckled softly while taking another bite.
• He thoroughly enjoyed the horrifying expression on King Rong's face as he listened to each word. It was evident that King Rong harbored a profound hatred for the emperor, the kind of hatred that could turn lethal given the chance.
• With his family background in his previous life, Wang Zhenyi was well acquainted with the intricacies within prominent families. The machinations within the imperial palace should somewhat resemble those dynamics.
• However, he hesitated, pondering what kind of demeanor the previous 'emperor' had that prompted King Rong to behave so rudely toward him.
• "Nonsense! Aren't you the emperor's designated substitute? Where is the emperor?" King Rong asserted with a deep, resonant voice, making no effort to conceal his suspicion.
• Within the palace, it wasn't surprising if the emperor prepared a contingency replacement for emergency situations. Such a replacement would bear around eighty to ninety percent resemblance to the emperor.
• Wang Zhenyi's laughter echoed through the room, filling the air with an unusual lightness. His amused expression and hearty chuckles unveiled a side of him that King Rong hadn't anticipated. It was as if the accusation had triggered a well of genuine amusement within Wang Zhenyi.
• The contrast between the mirthful Wang Zhenyi and the infuriated King Rong couldn't have been more pronounced. The emperor's carefree demeanor implied a confidence that seemed to rattle King Rong, who had expected a more submissive response.
• As the laughter subsided, Wang Zhenyi looked at King Rong with a glint of mockery in his eyes. "Oh, come on! Do you really believe that nonsense? Wasn't I just a contingency plan prepared by the emperor? Where is the emperor now?"
• The questions hung in the air, challenging King Rong's assumptions and laying bare the skepticism that Wang Zhenyi harbored toward the accusations.
• Wang Zhenyi's gaze, now tinged with amusement, remained fixed on King Rong. "Judging by your demeanor since you entered this room, I'm confident I've never once acted beyond your control. So, do you truly believe I could have a replacement?"
• The question hung in the air, challenging King Rong's accusations and suggesting the implausibility of having a substitute. The room seemed to tighten with tension, awaiting the response from the formidable king.
• Confronted with the possibility of unfounded allegations, King Rong fell into silence.
• How could he allow the emperor to slip from his grasp even for a moment?
• Yet, confirming that his accusations were baseless would be an admission of his own loss of control.
• Unable to contain his anger, King Rong slammed his chopsticks onto the table, the loud noise punctuating the charged atmosphere.
• "Since His Majesty the Emperor has just awakened, he is excused from attending morning court sessions for the next three days," declared King Rong with a deep voice and menacing glint in his eyes.
• "Alright," replied Wang Zhenyi casually. He wasn't overly surprised to learn that King Rong could dictate even the emperor's actions.
• King Rong snorted loudly and promptly left the emperor's chamber.
• As Wang Zhenyi found himself alone, he continued to savor the meal at a leisurely pace. It had been a long time since he could enjoy delicious food without any interruptions.
• Memories of the chaotic times during an alien invasion flashed in his mind, where scarcity forced reliance on unappetizing nutrient packets as a substitute for proper meals.
• Completing his meal, Wang Zhenyi decided to return to rest, allowing his tired soul a moment of respite before facing the intricacies of this transmigrated existence.
• Contemplating further, he couldn't shake off the thought that King Rong's demeanor raised suspicions about the true fate of the previous emperor.
• The calculated ruthlessness hinted at a plot that might have unfolded, casting shadows over the circumstances of the previous emperor's survival or demise.
• As Wang Zhenyi determinedly embraced his second chance at life, he was resolved to unravel the intricacies of his current existence.
• Understanding the nuances of this world became a crucial step for self-preservation.
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