Chapter 24: Saving Chang Yuchun—You Want Me to Alter the Course of History?

Zhang Yi was stunned. Zhu Biao’s seriousness took him by surprise. He’d expected the elder Zhu, after being shamed and angered, would cut ties with him and that amiable Uncle Huang; even if not severed, it would be some time before they recovered.

He wasn’t surprised by Uncle Huang’s reaction—who would want to hear unwelcome news? Zhang Yi didn’t blame him; it was simply human nature. Still, Zhang Yi persisted in provoking him because he was gambling—investing, really—that his words would eventually earn the man’s conviction. The results of this investment might not be apparent yet, but when Chang Yuchun succumbed to illness, he was certain Huang He would seek him out.

Living in this era, without a system at his side, Zhang Yi was ever cautious. With the Zhang family’s background, if he were content to live as a mere Daoist, he could ensure his safety. But the ambitions he harbored were beyond the reach of an ordinary son. Especially as a child, his actions were fraught with difficulty. The only advantage he possessed was the knowledge in his mind.

He needed an identity akin to that of a young immortal.

Though Zhang Yi had planned ahead, he hadn’t expected the bait he laid would draw Zhu Biao back in less than a day.

Once he recovered from his surprise, he asked, “I wonder what matter you wish to discuss, Brother Huang?”

On his way over, Zhu Biao had carefully organized his thoughts. He replied, “Today, Chang Sen, the third son of General Chang Yuchun, drowned and perished! The incident even alarmed the Crown Prince…”

He recounted the day’s events from the perspective of an outsider.

“What?” Zhang Yi’s expression changed—Chang Sen was dead?

He now understood why Zhu Biao had returned. The piece he’d played had already come to fruition.

Chang Sen was Chang Yuchun’s third son. His exact dates were unclear in history, but later records suggested he likely died young. When Zhang Yi wrote out Chang Sen’s fate, he boldly speculated the boy wouldn’t reach adulthood.

But he hadn’t expected that while he was writing, the child was still alive—and then, on the very day he wrote it, Chang Sen drowned?

“Good grief, am I really a harbinger of doom?” Zhang Yi wondered if he possessed some mysterious power over fate.

The boy’s death perfectly validated why Huang Mu would return—his prophecy had come true.

“Drowned? That’s a fitting death for the Ming era…” Zhang Yi grumbled inwardly, but outwardly remained calm.

Seeing Zhu Biao’s dazed state, he asked, “Brother Huang, why are you so unsettled by a death in Chang Yuchun’s family?”

Zhu Biao: …

Damn it, how could he not be anxious?

The names Zhang Yi wrote in his Book of Life and Death included his future wife and children—not to mention father-in-law and brother-in-law. Every name penned by Zhang Yi was now registered with the Lord of the Underworld.

The thought of the Chang family’s daughter dying filled Zhu Biao, whose heart had only just awakened to love, with inexplicable sorrow.

Zhu Biao said nothing, and bowed to Zhang Yi again.

“Brother Huang, don’t be like this!” Zhang Yi genuinely liked this newly acquainted brother. Unlike Uncle Huang’s calculating ways, this young man was honest and good-natured.

Had the elder Zhu come himself, Zhang Yi might have played up his mystical airs, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so with Zhu Biao.

“Why plead with me for the Chang family? Their downfall is a matter of fate, and partly their own doing. If there is retribution in this world, the Chang family’s future suffering is well deserved!

I admit General Chang Yuchun is a renowned Ming commander, but his love for slaughtering prisoners surely accumulated untold sins!

Lady Lan is likewise domineering, which explains her brother Lan Yu’s temperament and her son Chang Mao’s. In the entire Chang family, that daughter is perhaps the only normal one. I’ve told you all before—don’t try to attach yourselves to the Chang family!”

Understanding the gist of Zhu Biao’s visit, Zhang Yi spoke plainly.

Zhu Biao understood his words, especially after witnessing Chang Mao’s behavior today; he trusted Zhang Yi’s judgment even more. If Chang Yuchun truly met with disaster, Chang Mao would surely become a lawless, overbearing tyrant.

And beyond the loss to Ming and the fate of the family, his own interests were at stake—Chang Yuchun’s daughter, whom he’d long known would become his wife. Was he to simply watch her die?

Zhu Biao thought for a moment and said, “I’m begging you as my elder brother—please, tell me: can fate be reversed?”

Zhang Yi was caught off guard. After a brief contemplation, he replied, “It depends on the person…”

“What about Chang Yuchun, General Chang? Can his fate be changed?” Zhu Biao’s gaze burned. “And what of the Chang family’s young lady?”

Zhang Yi took a deep breath. Damn, Brother Huang’s question was deadly!

Chang Yuchun and his daughter were figures who could influence the course of history—what was Zhu Biao asking of him? To alter history itself?

Zhang Yi had his own plans for the future, but he wasn’t interested in being swept up in historical events just yet. Zhu Biao’s request left him troubled.

“Brother, you overestimate me!” Zhang Yi instinctively refused. He had no intention of entangling himself with the nation’s turbulence. He might want to sway the Huang father and son, but that didn’t mean he wanted to change history!

Besides, Chang Yuchun was not so easily saved.

History’s accounts of his sudden illness were vague: stroke? Overwork? Heart attack? Something else? There was no consensus.

Even if Zhang Yi wanted to help, he lacked the means.

He quickly shook his head, determined not to get involved.

“So, General Chang and the young lady cannot escape their destiny?” Zhu Biao, seeing Zhang Yi’s firm refusal, felt hollow inside.

Something felt off to Zhang Yi—why did Zhu Biao mention Chang Yuchun’s daughter? “Brother, do you perhaps…?” Zhang Yi hesitated.

“Come now, she’s the future crown princess. Don’t get any ideas! That kind of mistake would cost your whole family dearly!”

Zhang Yi hadn’t expected to stumble upon such gossip. He’d only heard the Huang family sought an alliance with the Changs, but didn’t know this big brother harbored secret feelings for the Chang family’s daughter.

Their families were worlds apart; for a merchant’s son to covet a Chang daughter—such a crime would doom nine generations.

Zhu Biao paused, wondering what thoughts ran through Zhang Yi’s mind. He was also surprised how quickly the boy deduced he was most concerned for the Chang girl.

“I’m just a merchant’s son; how could I dare dream of such an ethereal beauty? You misunderstood, brother!” Zhu Biao, his heart exposed, felt a touch of shyness.

Zhang Yi clutched his stomach and laughed loudly, “Brother Huang, anyone can see you’re smitten with her. You say you’re not? Fine, let’s not discuss her…”

He hadn’t finished when Zhu Biao suddenly grasped his hand.

“Zhang Yi, I’m begging you—if you know a way to change fate, tell me!”

“If the Chang family’s daughter can be saved, I swear, you will be my own brother from this day forth!” Zhu Biao’s eyes blazed as he swore a solemn oath.