CHAPTER 1: LEI MENGXI

At the small village in the outskirts of Wu City, a small thatched wooden house stood quietly among others. The house was in poor condition that walls were ridden with holes and the roof leaks during rainy days. That house has two small rooms and inside one of the room, an unconscious girl lay flat on the wooden bed covered in coarse bedding.

On the dusty chair beside the bed, a man in grey robe was sitting. He was attentively looking at the girl, checking for any signs of movements. After a moment, his eyes shifted towards the bowl of porridge sitting on the table nearby. The porridge was already lukewarm, and he was worried that it would go cold and not good to eat.

This man was named Shen Lian.

While Shen Lian was feeling the temperature of the porridge, he heard a fragmented sound from the bed. The sound was barely audible and almost unintelligible.

He looked at the girl at the bed and saw that her eyes were already opened but her gaze was shallow and there was a frozen on her forehead.

He inched closer and put his palms on her forehead, checking her temperature. Then he said softly. "You're awake. How are you feeling?"

The girl looked at her blankly and then opened her mouth to talk. "G... give me...give me my glasses."

Her words came out as whisper and still fragmented that Shen Lian couldn't figure out what she wanted. He inched closer to listen but she suddenly stretched her arms and with a twitching mouth, reached at the side table.

"Young lady, be careful!" He warned when he saw her blindly reaching out.

Few things were knocked down and even the porridge was almost knocked down by her. Finally, her hand reached the transparent, strange object on the table. The girl felt it for s moment, then she wear it on her eyes.

Wearing that strange thing, her gaze became more focused.

Shen Lian stared at her for a moment and once again asked, "Young lady, how are you feeling?"

Seeing him, the girl frowned even more. Then her face twisted like she was in some sort of pain.

"I feel like I've been beaten up so badly." The girl replied.

For a good moment, the girl's eyes was fixated on Shen Lian. Then her eyes wandered curiously around the room as if studying the place. After that, her eyes went back to Shen Lian and stared at him without saying anything.

"Hmm." Shen Lian faked a cough to break the silence. "You're bruises are healed. Your fever is also gone. After taking a rest for a few days, you will be fine."

He smiled at the girl who looked suspicious of him. Shen Lian understand. After all, waking in an unknown house with a stranger is indeed suspicious.

But the girl silently gritted her teeth. She looked like she wanted to spat a bunch curses. Shen Lian was really expecting her to throw him a few. Unexpectedly, the girl calmly asked, "Excuse me but... who are you? Where is this place?"

As a gesture of courtesy, Shen Lian stood straight before cupping his fist and bowing a little.

"Young lady, this person's name is Shen Lian. This one is neither popular nor has many affiliations. I am just a humble traveler who happened to see the unconscious lady at the top of Peak of No Return so I decided to bring the lady back to this small village for treatment. We are currently in the Rui village at the outskirts of Wu City."

The girl looked at him in disbelief. He didn't understand what does the expression means but it probably wasn't something good. He immediately grabbed the medicine at the table and let the girl sit properly before handing it to him.

"Young lady, please drink the medicine first."

The girl looked at the medicine and her eyes twitched a bit. There was a hint of suspicion in her face as she looked at Shen Lian. It was as if she was given a poison.

Shen Lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Don't worry young lady, it's not poisoned."

After hesitating for a while, the girl decided to drink the medicine. After wiping her mouth clean, she looked at Shen Lian and mumbled, "Thank you for saving me. My name's Lei MengXi."

Shen Lian smiled upon hearing her words. "It's nothing. Good deeds accumulates virtue."

Shen Lian then gave her the bowl of lukewarm porridge to eat. This time, without hesitation, Lei MengXi slowly ate the porridge.

"Mr. Shen, you said this is Wu City right? Then are we not on GuangXi?"

GuangXi? That was the first time Shen Lian heard the word and it made him think for a moment. Then he replied honestly, "I do not know a place called GuangXi."

Lei MengXi's expression became weird. After pondering for a few moment, she asked again, "Then Mr. Shen may I ask where is the nearest bus station? I might as well return to Beijing."

This time, Shen Lian frowned. The words be just heard were unfamiliar. Bus station? Beijing? He has not encountered such words before.

"I'm sorry. I do not know of it. I haven't heard of Beijing either."

Lei MengXi paused, as if sensing that something was wrong. She fell into a deep thinking that Shen Lian thought she was going back to sleep. Finally after a long time of contemplation she asked one more time. "You said you're a traveller, how come you didn't know the capital of China? Beijing? How about Shanghai?"

Shen Lian could feel the nervousness on Lei MengXi's voice. He didn't know what she is nervous about nor the places she just mentioned.

"Young lady Lei, I don't quite understand your words. I've travelled a lot of cities in the entire Qin State but I've never heard any place called Beijing, or Shanghai or even China."

Lei MengXi's mouth hanged open as she looked at Shen Lian. There was a conflicting emotion in her eyes, those that Shen Lian can't name. Her pale face turned even whiter as she forced to mumble her next question.

"T-then, w-what... what year is it?"

Shen Lian, even though a bit confused with her questions and her expressions, still answered her earnestly.

"It is the 22nd year of the reign of King Xi, the third ruler of the Qin dynasty."

Lei MengXi's heart sank.

Shen Lian watched as Lei MengXi's face changed from snow pale to flush red then back into paler color before falling into a trance-like state.

"Young Lady Lei, are you okay?"

Instead of answering, Lei MengXi stood up with great difficulty. And even though still limping, she dragged her body towards the door, ignoring the repeated, anxious call of Shen Lian. She pushed the door open and went out so Shen Lian ran after her.

Upon reaching outside, Lei MengXi's eyes went wide with disbelief and she was stuck on the spot. Shen Lian has no idea what was going on with her but he knew something was wrong. He went closer and noticed that she was slightly trembling.

"Young lady, what is wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

But Lei MengXi continued trembling and suddenly, tears began flowing on her eyes.

Shen Lian didn't know what to do, so he watched helplessly as the lady began crying at the ground. He had no idea what upsets the girl and how to comfort her.

After an hour, Lei MengXi finally calmed down.

Shen Lian didn't asked her about her matters. Instead, he cooked soup at the kitchen and brought it for Lei MengXi to eat. The soup tasted good that Lei MengXi quickly finished a bowl.

"Young lady-"

Just as Shen Lian was about to speak, Lei MengXi raised her hand, gesturing him to stop. "Can you please drop the young lady? MengXi is fine."

Shen Lian smiled at her. It was improper for him to address her with such familiarity. After all, they were strangers. "Then, Lady Lei do you want to take a look outside? It will be good for your body to move for a bit."

"Alright."

When Lei MengXi stood up, Shen Lian noticed that the robe she was wearing looked weird for her. Because he initially thought that the piece of clothing Lei MengXi wore was a covering a bit too little, he decided to drape her with his own clothes. But his clothes were just too big for her that the sleeves are covering her hands completely and the hem of the clothes is touching the ground. The clothes was also too loose for her.

Seeing her looking at her own body, Shen Lian felt a little embarrassed.

"This..." He looked away as he awkwardly explained. "When I took you from the Peak of No Return, you are a bit underdressed. I don't have any women's clothing so I can only lend you mine. I hope Lady Lei won't mind."

Shen Lian saw Lei MengXi felt inside her clothes. She sighed of relief before pulling up the hem of the long robe.

"W-what are you doing?" Shen Lian asked flustered as he look away.

"Mn." Lei MengXi coughed. "Your definition of underdressed is quite strange. But thank you Mr. Shen."

Lei MengXi crouched down the bed and pulled something from under it. Shen Lian saw that it was the pair of white shoes. Lei MengXi put the shoes on.

Shen Lian led the way while Lei MengXi was following suit.

It was still early in the afternoon and the sky was still up in the sky. Lei MengXi guessed that it might still be three o'clock in the afternoon. The village was indeed a small one and the people living in it are obviously not living very well. The buildings are dilapidated and in a bad condition. The people outside wore tattered clothes and some are emaciated. When Shen Lian looked at Lei MengXi, he suddenly struck with feeling that she don't look like she belongs here.

As they walk, they passed by a small stall of steamed buns. The vendor of the stall is a thin, middle aged man who was wearing an old cloth with many patches and heavy stain. Lei MengXi sighed.

Shen Lian noticed how she was staring at the stall and thought that she wanted to eat steamed buns. So, Shen Lian walked towards the direction of the stall with Lei MengXi following behind him.

"Uncle Liu, two mantou please."

Shen Lian took out a string of copper coins and gave four of it to Uncle Liu. Uncle Liu opened a drum-like wooden structure and it emitted fresh steam. When Lei MengXi took a closer look, it was full of hot steamed buns.

"Young Master Shen, you seemed to have a good appetite. Two mantou huh." Uncle Liu laughed while handing him the steamed buns.

Shen Lian smiled. "It's not for me."

Then he turned around to give the buns to Lei MengXi.

Lei MengXi was standing behind Shen Lian so the vendor didn't see her at first. And when he finally saw the girl, her eyes opened in surprise.

"And who might be this young lady be?"

Even though Lei MengXi was wearing men's clothing, there's no way that anyone would mistook her for a boy. She has a petite figure and compared to Shen Lian, she was a head and half shorter. Also, the contour of her small, round face is definitely of a girl's.

Shen Lian saw Lei MengXi glanced at him.

"This is Lei MengXi. She is a cousin of my uncle's sister-in-law."

Shen Lian noticed Lei MengXi's gaze to flicker.

"I see. Lady Lei id such a beauty. Master Shen must be having a hard time shooing swarms of men away." Uncle Liu teased them that the tip of Shen Lian's ears instantly turned a bit hotter. But when he looked at Lei MengXi, she has no reaction at all, only that her lids are drooping low.

"Alright Uncle Liu, stop teasing us."

Uncle Liu laughed heartily. "But Lady Lei, if you keep that expression, you'll scare them all by yourself. Hahaha!"

Shen Lian: "..."

Lei MengXi: "..."

Shen Lian was speechless for a moment but when he looked at Lei MengXi's serious face, he finally realized why the old vendor said those words.

Lei MengXi's resting face was not friendly-looking at all. Even though her face indeed hold some unique charm, one might assume that she was displeased because of the deadpan expression she was wearing. Even more, her almost lifeless eyes added to the not-so-good expression that she had. Her face was naturally melancholic.

Seeing the expression on the two young people's face, Uncle Liu chuckled and said. "Alright! Alright! I'm just joking with Lady Lei."

After receiving their steamed buns, the two continued walking.

While Lei MengXi was munching on her steamed buns, she suddenly fell into a deep thought. Shen Lian tried calling her for few times before Lei MengXi finally looked at him.

"What's wrong now?"

Lei MengXi sniffed herself and then looked into Shen Lian's eyes. "Mr. Shen, how long have I been unconscious?"

Shen Lian replied, "three days."

"Three days?" Lei MengXi muttered. Then she murmured, "No wonder I felt sticky and uncomfortable."

"Mn. I thought it would take you a bit longer to wake up."

Lei MengXi stared at the young man in front of her. And for a long moment, she didn't say anything. Shen Lian's curiosity was growing but he didn't say anything at all. He just also stared back, wondering what was on the girl's mind.

"Young master Shen!"

Their staring contest was suddenly interrupted when a small voice called Shen Lian's name. When they turned to the direction of the voice, they saw two people, and old woman and a young girl of fourteen. It was the old woman who greeted Shen Lian which he generously and respectfully greeted back.

"Little Yan'er had grown a lot." Shen Lian commented with a smile as his soft gaze landed upon the teen.

The teenage girl's cheeks immediately turned pink upon greetings. She shyly tucked a lock of hair that had strayed behind her ear.

The old woman smiled too as she pulled the girl closer. "Yes. Now that our Yan'er had come to age, I'm bringing her to a matchmaker Wang to find a good match for her."

When the old lady mentioned marriage, Yan'er's expression slightly turned sour but her face once again glowed when Shen Lian gently patted her head.

From the side, Lei MengXi suddenly asked, "Yan'er, do you want to get married?"

When Lei MengXi asked this, three pairs of eyes landed on her. The old woman then looked at Shen Lian with a questioning look but he turned to study Yan'er's expression.

Yan'er casted a shifting glance between Lei MengXi and Shen Lian before looking away. There was still a shade of pink in her wheat-colored face as she spoke. "I... I have to find a good husband, fulfill my duties and be a good wife. Then I would live a happy life."

Lei MengXi did not speak anymore. Her sullen expression did not change a lot and just stayed silent. When Shen Lian saw her silence, he turned to the old lady.

"Then Madam Yu, I won't be hindering your business any further." Shen Lian said politely to the old lady. Then he turned to Yan'er and said in a gentle voice, "Yan'er, I wish you happiness."

The old lady and Yan'er thanked the guy and continued on their way. Lei MengXi and Shen Lian also continued to walk aimlessly. As they walk, Lei MengXi couldn't help but sigh.

"It might be a good thing for her if she could find a good husband that would treat her sincerely." After a moment of silence, Shen Lian suddenly spoke.

Lei MengXi lightly pushed the clear object she was wearing in her eyes to fix it before giving a very soft, almost unnoticeable chuckle. "Hearing that from you, I suddenly felt a bit of pity for Yan'er."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "When I was at her age, I was busy finding ways to skip school. I used a various of methods to deceive my parents so that I can stay at home."

Shen Lian's brows knitted. "School?"

Is this lady from aristocratic family? Is she some sort of noble lady from far land? How else she can go to school? Ain't only boys are allowed in school?

Lei MengXi slightly nodded her head and continued. "Did you know that according to Erikson during adolescence, youths are more inclined on finding their identity? I'm past my adolescence and already climbing into adulthood yet I still can't pass that stage. And here is little Yan'er being a few stages ahead of me."

Erikson?

Somehow, Shen Lian felt that Lei MengXi's words are extremely confusing. He understood her words separately yet he couldn't make sense of it. It was as if she was speaking using a foreign language.

"Lady Lei, do you always speak in a strange manner?"

The corner of Lei MengXi's lips turned upward very slightly. It was a small gesture but Shen Lian finally caught this small change in her expression.

They were walking casually when Lei MengXi suddenly halted. She looked as if she had just came into a realization. When Shen Lian noticed that she wasn't walking anymore, he asked, "What is wrong this time, Lady Lei?"

She looked at Shen Lian and in a really serious voice she asked, "Mr. Shen, can you hear my mind?"

Shen Lian was taken aback with this sudden nonsensical question. "W-what is the lady talking about?"

"Just answer me. Are you able to read my mind? Hear my inner voice?"

Shen Lian paused for a moment before answering. "How can that be possible? Of course I cannot do it."

Lei MengXi stayed quiet for a second. Then to Shen Lian's surprise, she suddenly screamed like she had gotten mad.

"WHAT THE HELL! I TIME-TRAVELLED WITHOUT ANYTHING AT ALL! WHERE  IS MY FREAKIN' SYSTEM? I'M FREKIN' WILLING TO TAKE ANY FREAKIN' TASK! OR AT LEST SPOIL ME THE PLOT THAT I SHOULD FOLLOW! OR EVEN GIVING ME A GOOD POSITION AS NOBLE LADY OR ROYALTY WOULD BE ENOUGH! GIVE ME THOSE STUPID PLOT ARMORS! WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME WITH NOTHING AT ALL? WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?"

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