Rebirth of Bi Gan: A Male Student Traverses the “Investiture of God”

In the early morning of Chaoge City, the air was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers. Zhang Hao, or rather Bi Gan, practiced morning exercises with Gu's clan in the imperial garden. Their swordplay was fluid and coordinated. Gu's clan's sword technique was light and graceful, every turn and leap revealing her exceptional martial prowess. Zhang Hao attempted to incorporate modern exercise concepts into his sword dance, occasionally adding yoga and tai chi movements, which piqued Gu's clan's curiosity and interest.

"Brother Bi Gan, where did you learn these strange movements?" Gu's clan asked curiously, her eyes sparkling with a desire for new things.

Zhang Hao smiled and replied, "I saw some body exercises in ancient texts that I think can help our swordsmanship."

Gu's clan nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes: "Brother Bi Gan is always so knowledgeable and talented."

Zhang Hao teased, "Of course, I have to protect you, my dear Gu's clan. How could I not learn a few more tricks?"

Gu's clan blushed slightly and whispered, "Brother Bi Gan, you always know how to speak so charmingly."

They continued their practice, their swords dancing in the sunlight like two dragons weaving through the garden. Zhang Hao occasionally coached Gu's clan on modern fitness movements, their laughter echoing through the garden.

As time passed, Zhang Hao began to notice every movement of Gu's clan, each turn and leap appearing so natural and elegant. He couldn't help but imagine how blissful it would be to be accompanied by her like this every day.

After the morning exercise, Zhang Hao and Gu's clan returned to the palace together. In his daily life in the palace, Zhang Hao interacted with other palace maids and concubines with wit and humor. Observing the ancient world from a modern perspective, he occasionally used his modern knowledge to answer their questions, earning the respect and affection of the palace dwellers.

"Minister Bi Gan, how should I arrange these flowers to look beautiful?" a palace maid asked respectfully, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Zhang Hao smiled slightly, took the bouquet, and began to demonstrate modern flower arrangement techniques, captivating the maids who watched with admiration.

"Minister Bi Gan is so versatile, even skilled in flower arranging," a concubine praised.

Zhang Hao modestly responded, "Not at all, just a few tricks to bring joy to everyone."

While arranging the flowers, he chatted with the palace maids, learning about their lives and preferences, and silently noting the palace's power structure and interpersonal relationships, preparing for his survival and plans.

In his interactions with the palace maids, Zhang Hao suddenly realized that he had grown accustomed to life here, even beginning to enjoy the leisurely pace of ancient times.

Zhang Hao was reminiscing about his time with Gu's clan, chuckling at the thought of such daily companionship, when a seductive voice called out, "Minister Bi Gan."

He turned around to see Daji approaching gracefully, her steps light as if dancing. Daji's figure was slender and alluring, her curves exquisite, and even the most critical eye could find no flaw in her. Her eyes held a hint of playfulness, as if she could see through Zhang Hao's thoughts.

"Lady Daji, you are truly radiant today," Zhang Hao said with a slight smile, knowing he must be cautious with this extremely intelligent woman.

Daji chuckled, her eyes flickering with cunning: "Minister Bi Gan flatters me. You are the one who is truly inscrutable."

Their conversation was filled with wit and innuendo. Zhang Hao tried to probe Daji's true intentions, while Daji seemed to be testing his limits.

"Minister Bi Gan, I heard that you have been studying some ancient texts lately. I wonder what insights you have gained?" Daji asked softly, her voice laced with curiosity.

Zhang Hao smiled slightly and replied, "Just some contemplations on ancient wisdom. Is Lady Daji interested in such matters?"

Daji chuckled, a deep meaning flashing in her eyes: "Minister Bi Gan is always so mysterious, one can't help but want to know more."

Zhang Hao was inwardly vigilant; every movement of Daji's exuded her empress-like demeanor, her figure slender and graceful, every step exuding a heavenly charm.

"Lady Daji, your charm is truly unparalleled," Zhang Hao skillfully changed the subject while complimenting her.

A hint of pride flashed in Daji's eyes as she said softly, "Minister Bi Gan flatters me. You are the one who is truly inscrutable."

After several days of palace life, Zhang Hao began to notice that all the dishes at breakfast, lunch, and dinner seemed to lack something. He initially thought it was the dishes themselves, but over time, he realized the issue lay not in the food but in the scarcity of condiments. The dishes of this era, compared to the modern delicacies he remembered, were so bland and unexciting.

One evening, as Zhang Hao had dinner with Gu's clan, he finally couldn't help but raise the issue: "Gu's clan, don't you think these dishes always seem to be missing something?"

Gu's clan smiled slightly, seemingly having noticed this as well: "Brother Bi Gan, you've finally noticed. The condiments of this era are indeed scarce, especially salt, which is even more rare."

Zhang Hao's heart leaped, and he thought of a brilliant idea. He decided to use his modern knowledge to quietly implement a plan—to extract salt by evaporating seawater. This plan could not only improve the palace's cuisine but also elevate his status in this era.

He did not directly reveal his plan to Gu's clan but smiled mysteriously: "Gu's clan, I have an idea that might change all of this."

Gu's clan's eyes lit up, filled with admiration for Bi Gan's intelligence and resourcefulness: "Brother Bi Gan always has so many wonderful ideas."