Dapeng's Time Travel Life

The winds of the border, finally shedding their former chill, carried a touch of spring's warmth, gently caressing Zhang Peng's face. After countless battles, this land had finally ushered in long-awaited peace. Standing on the city wall, Zhang Peng watched as the people rebuilt their homes from the ruins, wisps of smoke rising from chimneys, and his heart was filled with relief. He knew it was time to go home.

"General, everything is ready, and we can set off for the capital tomorrow." Li Ming stepped forward, his eyes filled with reluctance. After years of fighting side by side, they had become like brothers.

Zhang Peng nodded slightly, his gaze slowly sweeping across the city wall. Every brick and tile here bore witness to the soldiers' blood and sacrifice. "Alright, inform the soldiers to pack their belongings; we're on our way home."

The next morning, as sunlight streamed down the border road, Zhang Peng rode a tall, magnificent horse at the head of the procession. Behind him stretched a vast, triumphant army, their faces beaming with the joy of victory as they prepared to return to their long-lost homeland.

Along the way, people flocked to the streets to welcome him. They held flowers and food in their hands, their eyes filled with gratitude and respect. Zhang Peng was overwhelmed with emotion; all the hardships of the journey had transformed into boundless warmth at this moment.

However, the bustling capital city did not greet them as usual. The moment Zhang Peng stepped into the capital, he sensed an unusual atmosphere. In the streets and alleys, people whispered amongst themselves, their expressions revealing unease. He wondered to himself, had something happened in the capital?

Back at the Prince's mansion, Xia Lijuan was already waiting at the gate. Tears welled in her eyes as she rushed to Zhang Peng and hugged him tightly: "Prince, you're finally back."

Zhang Peng gently hugged her, feeling this long-lost warmth: "Lijuan, I'm sorry to have worried you."

After their brief reunion, Zhang Peng learned from Xia Lijuan that undercurrents were indeed swirling in the capital. Some court officials, jealous of Zhang Peng's military achievements, were slandering him to the Emperor in an attempt to weaken his power.

"Your Highness, they say you are hoarding troops and plotting a rebellion, and the Emperor seems to be wavering as well," Xia Lijuan said worriedly.

Zhang Peng's face darkened. He hadn't expected that his bloody battles on the border would be met with such suspicion. "These treacherous officials, for their own selfish gain, have actually framed me like this."

However, Zhang Peng was not intimidated by these rumors. He knew that the innocent would clear themselves, so he decided to go to the palace to meet the emperor and clarify everything.

The next day, Zhang Peng, dressed in court attire, entered the palace. The atmosphere in the court was oppressive, almost suffocating. The Emperor sat high on his dragon throne, his expression cold and stern.

"Zhang Peng, do you know your crime?" The Emperor's voice echoed in the hall.

Zhang Peng knelt and kowtowed: "Your Majesty, I do not know what crime I have committed. Please enlighten me."

At this moment, a minister stepped forward. It was none other than Minister Wang of the Ministry of Personnel, who had a long-standing feud with Zhang Peng. "Zhang Peng, you hold a large army at the border, you have been mobilizing troops without authorization, and you have also colluded with neighboring tribes. It is clear that you intend to rebel."

Zhang Peng was furious, but he suppressed his anger and calmly said, "Lord Wang, the border war is urgent. In order to protect the country, I have no choice but to take some emergency measures. As for colluding with the surrounding tribes, that is to jointly defend against foreign enemies and maintain peace on the border."

The Emperor frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I will send someone to investigate this matter. Zhang Peng, you may leave now."

Left with no other option, Zhang Peng had to leave the court. He knew that this power struggle had only just begun. Upon returning to his residence, he immediately summoned his advisors to discuss countermeasures.

“Your Highness, Lord Wang and his men are wolves in sheep’s clothing. We cannot sit idly by and wait for our doom,” an aide said anxiously.

Zhang Peng nodded: "I have a plan. We need to gather evidence to prove my innocence, and at the same time, contact righteous people in the court to fight against these treacherous officials together."

In the days that followed, Zhang Peng traveled extensively, gathering evidence. He found detailed records of border battles and cooperation agreements signed with neighboring tribes, all of which were sufficient to prove his loyalty.

At the same time, he also secretly met with some court officials, telling them about his grievances. These officials greatly admired Zhang Peng's character and achievements, and expressed their willingness to support him.

However, Lord Wang and his associates were also secretly plotting. They attempted to destroy evidence and frame Zhang Peng with even more serious charges. A power struggle within the court intensified.