Chapter 187: Madman Zhang Biao! Activate! 【 Requesting Double Monthly Tickets 】
He happily finished the last Orleans grilled chicken wing.
Zhang Biao glanced at the countdown in his hand, a hint of indescribable anticipation appearing on his face.
【00:00:05】
【.4】
【.3】
【.2】
【.1】
【.0】
Zhang Biao counted lazily.
Suddenly, his vision went black, and the world spun.
After an unknown amount of time, he heard the sound of rainwater dripping from the eaves.
Zhang Biao lay on a wooden plank bed and suddenly opened his eyes.
He proceeded to the next step skillfully, his actions fluid and natural.
He touched his neck—it was intact!
He looked at his arms—the pure white countdown and the 【50Kg】 mark had disappeared!
He felt his body—why did it feel cold and bare? It felt like he wasn’t wearing any clothes!?
“Holy crap!”
Zhang Biao cursed instinctively and then scrambled up from the bed, quickly checking his body.
Just as he felt, he was indeed naked.
“What the hell?! Who would do something so depraved?! I…”
He was about to unleash a torrent of abuse but quickly realized something was amiss.
Because, based on his past transmigration experiences, no matter how he died, he would always reappear in his faded, seventh-rank censor’s official robe.
“What’s going on? Where’s my official robe?”
Zhang Biao frowned deeply and then looked around.
The room was still the same dilapidated room, and even the blurry bronze mirror hadn’t changed at all…
“Wait!”
Just as Zhang Biao was preparing to practice his ‘dying for a cause’ facial expression, he suddenly noticed a few things.
He remembered that this was from one of his experiments.
In his ‘previous life’ in the Great Ming World, he had bought some daily necessities and furnished his dilapidated and impoverished official residence.
Because at that time, he didn’t know when Old Zhu would execute him, and he might have to live in this official residence for a long time.
So, he did something he had never experimented with before.
For example, he added things like tables, chairs, and benches to his ‘respawn pool,’ which was this room, to see if they would disappear the next time he transmigrated back…
Because, based on his past experience, every time he transmigrated back, the people in the Great Ming World wouldn’t remember that he had died, as if the world had been 【refreshed】.
And 【refreshing】 meant that traces of past existence were erased, and everything would start anew.
This was why he could ‘die for a cause’ to Old Zhu in the same identity every time he transmigrated back.
But now, everything he had set up in his ‘previous life’ was still there.
What did this mean? It meant his experiment had succeeded.
He had left his mark in this world.
In other words, no matter how the world was 【refreshed】, the traces of his existence would not be erased.
Zhang Biao was both surprised and delighted by this.
However, new problems arose.
Since he had left his mark in this world, would the people here still not remember him, as before?
Or, had their memories been erased due to the world’s 【refreshing】?
Thinking of this, Zhang Biao felt a sense of melancholy.
In his previous transmigrations to the Great Ming World, he had been like a player roaming the world, and the people around him were like NPCs to him.
Because every time he transmigrated back, it was a fresh start, and the people around him didn’t remember him at all; they only remembered something he had done.
For example, they would remember that ‘someone executed by Old Zhu’ had done something.
Then, the ‘fixed NPC Shen Lang’ would inform him of this and warn him to be careful of Old Zhu in court.
It wasn’t until Old Zhu forcibly kept him there, making him experience things he had never encountered in previous transmigrations, that he gradually understood the suffering of this world and realized it was a real world, not a game world.
Later, he developed a desire to change the world, even acting on it with a fervor that was both frantic and sincere.
Although, during this process, he had always known that after he ‘died’ and transmigrated back, the people in this world would no longer remember him, the ‘crazy Zhang’ or ‘Censor Zhang.’
Yet, he had seen his madness through to the end.
Just as he had told Shen Lang and the others before, today’s people do today’s things; tomorrow’s matters are for tomorrow’s people.
He died today, and tomorrow, it might be a ‘new him,’ or perhaps ‘someone else.’
But no matter who it was, as long as this world changed, everything ‘they’ did would be meaningful.
It was like those heroic ancestors; if not everyone remembered their names and past deeds, would their generous sacrifice be meaningless?
No, absolutely not!
Because, in Zhang Biao’s opinion, nameless heroes were just as great as famous ones.
If one were to dwell on whether their greatness would be remembered after death, then the original intention of wanting to change the world would be lost.
However, this time, upon transmigrating back, Zhang Biao discovered something unusual.
Not only was he not wearing his seventh-rank censor’s official robe, but he had even left his mark in this world.
【Could it be… I’ve gained a new ability?】
This situation had happened in his previous transmigrations.
For example, the ability to carry 【50kg】 of items was a new ability gained after Zhang Biao acquired the power of transmigration.
Thinking of this, Zhang Biao frowned slightly, then got off the bed and walked to the blurry bronze mirror, looking at himself.
His facial features were unchanged, except for the fact that he was naked.
“What kind of damn new ability is this? Starting naked?!”
Zhang Biao was filled with frustration.
Just then, a cool breeze blew in from the window, making him shiver. He immediately rubbed his arms and frantically rummaged through the room.
After a while, he found a patched, musty old garment and put it on, making do.
Then, following the familiar routine, he opened the door and encountered Shen Lang.
“Censor Zhang…”
“Thanks, thanks! Brother Shen, good morning! Yes, today is another good day for admonishment!”
Before the other person could finish speaking, Zhang Biao knew what he was going to say and skillfully interjected.
However, what responded was not Shen Lang’s usual ‘advice’ or a piece of gossip about ‘someone being executed by Old Zhu.’
“Zhang Biao! What are you doing?! Who told you to put on clothes?! Hurry back and take them off!”
Zhang Biao was stunned and then looked in the direction of the voice.
Two Imperial Guards stood at the doorway of his official residence, one of them glaring at him and shouting.
【What is this situation now?!】
【Where is Shen Lang? My fixed NPC? Why are there two guards instead?!】
【Also, what’s with taking off clothes? Who is so perverted as to forbid people from wearing them?!】
As Zhang Biao stood there bewildered and at a loss, the other Imperial Guard spoke:
“Censor Zhang, please don’t make things difficult for us brothers. We’ve been guarding you for almost two months, please don’t cause any more trouble, okay?”
“……?”
Zhang Biao was full of questions, more bewildered than before.
The Imperial Guard who had shouted at him earlier impatiently stepped forward, tore off his clothes, and said angrily:
“You committed such a serious offense and are still alive; it’s already a stroke of luck, so be content!”
With that, he took the torn clothes and turned back to the doorway, leaving Zhang Biao in the wind and rain.
……
Not long after, Zhang Biao returned to the dilapidated room, shivering from the cold, but his mind was racing.
【The Imperial Guard just said that I committed a serious offense and am lucky to be alive.】
【Another Imperial Guard said they have been guarding me for almost two months.】
【In other words, they know who I am, Zhang Biao, and in their perception, I am a prisoner who committed a major crime and was lucky to survive, and is now under house arrest naked?】
【Is this my new identity… or… some other situation?】
Zhang Biao fell into deep thought.
In his ‘previous life,’ after being sentenced to death by Old Zhu, he transmigrated back to modern times and took a two-month leave.
In his ‘current life,’ after being pardoned by Old Zhu, he was under house arrest naked for two months.
【What a coincidence!】
Just as Zhang Biao was pondering, an unfamiliar voice came from outside the door:
“Censor Zhang, His Majesty has decreed that you are released from confinement, restored to your original position, and your official robe is at your doorstep.”
“Also, His Majesty says that without his decree, you are still not allowed to attend court, nor should you seek death again, lest you wish you were dead.”
As the voice faded, there was the sound of ‘pata, pata,’ of footsteps on mud, and a ‘clang’ of the door closing.
“Old Zhu’s decree? I’m released? Restored to my original position?”
Zhang Biao was stunned for a moment, then, holding his body, which was purple from the cold, he cautiously opened the door and immediately saw the familiar, faded, seventh-rank censor’s official robe.
【Damn it! Restored to original position should be Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, why am I still a seventh-rank censor?!】
Zhang Biao rolled his eyes but still quickly picked up the official robe and put it on, immediately feeling a hint of warmth.
However, an even greater doubt arose in his heart.
【They said I committed a major offense, what was it?】
【Moreover, judging by their demeanor, they seemed to be somewhat wary of me.】
【This familiar feeling… it’s a bit like my ‘previous life’ self?】
Thinking of this, Zhang Biao felt it was necessary to go out and see for himself.
After all, seeing is believing, hearing is not as good.
Not long after, he arrived on the streets of Yingtian Prefecture.
Perhaps because it was still raining, the sky was a hazy gray, like early morning.
But everything around him was still so familiar: the unchanging buildings, the hurried pedestrians, and the incessant cries of vendors.
When Zhang Biao reached the entrance of the Censorate, the censors passing by saw him, were startled at first, and then their faces showed extremely complex expressions, a mixture of surprise, awe, and even a trace of imperceptible fear.
They did not greet him casually like they would a colleague, but instead, turned slightly, as if trying to avoid his gaze.
“Censor Wang?”
Zhang Biao tried to call out to a familiar ‘colleague.’
Censor Wang’s body stiffened. He turned around and forced a smile that was more like a grimace:
“Lord Zhang… Lord Zhang? Why do you have time to come to the yamen today?”
His tone was so polite it was almost distant, as if Zhang Biao were some kind of flood or fierce beast.
Zhang Biao frowned deeply: “Shouldn’t I be here? Where is Shen Lang?”
“Shen… Censor Shen?”
Censor Wang’s eyes flickered: “He has been sent by His Majesty to Shaanxi as an Investigating Censor. Lord Zhang, this subordinate has official duties, I must take my leave!”
With that, he almost fled.
【Something is wrong! Something is very wrong!】
【Even they remember me, and are even afraid of me!】
【Isn’t this my ‘previous life’ self?】
The more Zhang Biao thought about it, the more his scalp tingled.
But he was still not sure if his conjecture was correct.
So, after leaving the Censorate, he began to walk aimlessly through Yingtian Prefecture, his ears perked to catch any possible information.
In a teahouse, several scholars in Confucian robes were engaged in a heated debate.
“‘Dismiss the Hundred Schools of Thought and exclusively honor Confucianism’ is a truth that has endured for a thousand years! How can it be questioned!”
“Brother, you speak incorrectly! While ‘Dismissal of Confucianism’ may be a bold statement, ‘Neo-Confucianism’s empty talk harms the nation,’ and ‘emphasis should be placed on practical matters,’ upon careful consideration, it is not entirely unreasonable…”
“Hush! Be careful with your words! This matter is taboo, do not discuss it further! I heard the palace was enraged by this and dealt with many people…”
Zhang Biao stopped in his tracks.
Dismissal of Confucianism?
They were discussing this?
Did this mean my ‘previous life’ had succeeded? I had planted the seed of ‘Dismissal of Confucianism,’ and it was still growing?
Thinking of this, Zhang Biao felt a sense of relief.
Next, he went to the Ministry of Justice and saw a line of prison carts being escorted out from a distance. He vaguely recognized the people inside as some lackeys from the Fu Youwen group, who now looked ashen.
The surrounding commoners were discussing in low voices:
“Another batch arrested…”
“I heard they were all worms who colluded with Fu Youwen and Ru Chang to harm the people!”
“They deserve it! Thanks to Censor Zhang!”
“Indeed! The day he was beheaded, the sky suddenly showed an omen of ‘snow in June,’ and even the Emperor issued a 《decree of self-reproach》!”
“With the will to kill the traitors, but powerless to return to heaven, I laugh at the sky with my saber in hand, going to and fro between Kunlun! Lord Zhang, your legacy will live forever!”
Zhang Biao was deeply shaken.
Old Zhu actually issued a 《decree of self-reproach》?!
【It seems my ‘previous life’s’ death for a cause was worth the price.】
Zhang Biao thought with a touch of amusement.
However, his heart grew even more puzzled.
【Lord Zhang, Censor Zhang, are they talking about me?】
【But I clearly remember that the weather was fine when I was executed, not a sign of ‘snow in June’!】
【Did something happen after my death that I don’t even know about?】
With these doubts, Zhang Biao decided to find a familiar low-ranking capital official with whom he had previously gone to ‘demand salary,’ invite him for a drink, and subtly probe him.
After a few drinks, the low-ranking capital official’s tongue loosened. He patted Zhang Biao’s shoulder and said earnestly:
“Brother Zhang! Your elder brother truly admires you! Truly!”
“When you cursed the nobles and interrogated the Six Ministries in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, how majestic you were! You caused quite a stir for Dukes like Li Jinglong and Guo Ying!”
“Although you later uttered those shocking words that angered His Majesty… but your elder brother knew you would be fine!”
“Look at this, you not only walked through the gates of hell and back but were also released by the Emperor, all thanks to what you wrote before your execution!”
The wine cup in Zhang Biao’s hand almost fell to the ground.
When he heard the other person mention what he had written, the first thing he thought of was the 《Public Order Memorial》!
“Wait a moment, elder brother, my mind is a bit jumbled. Are you saying that my writing was submitted to the Emperor, and therefore, I was pardoned?!”
“Yes! Commander Jiang stopped Scholar Liu from carrying out the execution and presented what you wrote to His Majesty. Then His Majesty decreed that the death penalty be commuted to house arrest! You’re also drunk, aren’t you? Hehe.”
Boom!
Zhang Biao felt as if he had been struck by lightning.
An absurd and astonishing conjecture formed in his mind:
【So, the ending of my ‘previous life’ has been changed!】
【And, I have indeed gained a new ability!】
【I can continue ‘previous life’s’ relationships. It’s like a relay race; what wasn’t finished in the ‘previous life’ can be continued in the ‘next life.’】
【The difference from previous transmigrations is that instead of dying and resurrecting, it’s returning from confinement.】
【In other words, the people of the Great Ming World, apart from not remembering that I died, remember everything else.】
【Also, the most crucial point… I have truly changed this unreasonable world!】
“Hahaha—!”
Having figured this out, Zhang Biao couldn’t help but laugh heartily at the wine table, laughing so much that the low-ranking capital official was bewildered, and he himself was almost in tears.
“Good, good! Crazy Zhang is back!”
He abruptly stood up, drained the remaining wine in his cup, his eyes flashing with a more frantic and excited light than ever before.
【You all remember, right?】
【I haven’t collected my ‘salary’ yet, that waste Zhu Yunwen is still alive, and advanced clubs in modern times require billions in assets to enter.】
【The mastermind behind the scenes who used me and my brothers as pawns in ‘my previous life,’ trying to silence me? Your Grandpa Zhang is back for revenge!】
【This time, I’m going to play bigger! Let you all have a blast!】
【Zhu Chongba, I told you! We will meet again!!】
He threw down the money for the drinks and strode out of the tavern.
His back, under the gray sky of Yingtian Prefecture, was like a drawn sword, rusty but even sharper.
Requesting double monthly tickets~
