Dapeng's Time Travel Life

As Zhang Peng emerged from the palace, the sunlight of the capital bathed him, yet it failed to dispel the gloom in his heart. The stability of the court was merely superficial; the suffering of the common people and the hidden forces of corruption were like lurking reefs, threatening to sink this mighty dynasty at any moment. Returning to his residence, he went straight to his study, stood there for a long time, gazing at the map of the world hanging on the wall, his brow furrowed.

"Your Highness, you're back." Xia Lijuan's voice came from behind, filled with concern and gentleness. She approached softly and placed a cup of hot tea on the table. "Have some tea first. You don't look too well. Did the Emperor assign you a difficult task?"

Zhang Peng turned around, grasped Xia Lijuan's hand, and said with a wry smile, "His Majesty is determined to reform, rectify officialdom, reduce taxes, and build water conservancy projects. Each and every one of these is a major event concerning the foundation of the country and the people's livelihood. However, I'm afraid the road ahead will be fraught with difficulties."

Xia Lijuan nodded slightly, understanding Zhang Peng's concerns. Over the years, she had been by Zhang Peng's side, witnessing the treacherous nature of the court, and knew that reforms would touch the foundations of various interest groups and would inevitably encounter numerous obstacles. "Your Highness, I support you no matter what. But you must be even more careful in your future actions."

Zhang Peng gripped Xia Lijuan's hand tightly, his eyes filled with determination: "Rest assured, for the sake of the people, I will do my utmost."

The reform edict was quickly issued, causing a stir throughout the court and the public. Zhang Peng, as the main proponent of the reform, was thrust into the spotlight. Officials from various regions submitted memorials, some supporting the reform, some observing, and many expressing their opposition in veiled terms. Zhang Peng knew that behind these undercurrents of opposition lay a complex web of vested interests.

His first task was to rectify official corruption, dispatching multiple imperial envoys to various regions to investigate official corruption. However, shortly after the envoys left the capital, news began to arrive that someone was secretly sabotaging them and even threatening their families.

"Your Highness, what should we do?" an aide said anxiously. "These corrupt officials are so rampant that if we don't stop them in time, the imperial envoys' investigation will be difficult to continue."

Zhang Peng pondered for a moment and said, "Immediately strengthen the guards for the imperial envoys. At the same time, secretly investigate those behind the scenes. In addition, pass on my order: anyone who dares to obstruct the investigation will be severely punished."

Despite the measures taken, the reforms continued to face numerous difficulties. During an inspection of a key salt tax checkpoint, the imperial envoy encountered fierce resistance from local officials. They not only refused to cooperate but also incited the populace to riot and create chaos. When news reached the capital, Zhang Peng realized that this was an organized and premeditated rebellion.

“Your Highness, this matter is probably not so simple,” Li Ming said worriedly. “There may be powerful figures in the court backing us up.”

Zhang Peng's gaze was stern: "No matter who it is, violating the law and obstructing reforms cannot be tolerated. Li Ming, you immediately take a team to the scene of the incident to assist the imperial envoy in the investigation and make sure to get to the bottom of this matter."

Li Ming accepted the order and left. Zhang Peng, meanwhile, remained in the capital, continuing to navigate the complex relationships between various factions. On one hand, he had to appease the ministers in the court who were hesitant about the reforms and win their support; on the other hand, he also had to deal with the opposing forces who were secretly plotting against him.

One day, Zhang Peng was reviewing reports on the progress of reforms from various places in his study when his steward rushed in, looking flustered: "Your Highness, there is a man outside who claims to be one of your former subordinates requesting an audience, saying that he has urgent business to discuss."

Zhang Peng's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately said, "Quickly, invite him in."

A moment later, a man dressed in plain clothes entered the study. Upon seeing Zhang Peng, he immediately knelt down and bowed, saying, "This humble servant greets Your Highness."

Zhang Peng looked him over, finding him somewhat familiar, but couldn't quite place him. "You are..."

The man raised his head, his eyes filled with worry: "Your Highness, I am Chen Gang, and I once served under you. Now I work in the Ministry of Revenue. I have recently heard some rumors and I am truly concerned, so I have come to inform Your Highness."

Zhang Peng's heart skipped a beat, and he gestured for Chen Gang to stand up and speak. Chen Gang stood up, leaned closer to Zhang Peng, and whispered, "Your Highness, someone is secretly colluding with martial arts forces, plotting against you. They plan to ambush you while you are out and take your life."

Zhang Peng's expression changed. He knew that once the underworld forces got involved, things would become much more complicated. "Do you know who's behind this?"

Chen Gang shook his head: "I have only heard that they operate in a very secretive manner, and I am not clear about the specifics. But I suspect that it is related to those officials who oppose the reforms."

Zhang Peng pondered for a moment, then patted Chen Gang on the shoulder: "Thank you for your hard work. I am aware of this matter. While you are at the Ministry of Revenue, please be careful and inform me immediately if there are any new developments."

After Chen Gang left, Zhang Peng fell into deep thought. He knew that the path of reform had reached a critical juncture, and the enemy's methods were becoming increasingly ruthless. But he showed no sign of backing down; instead, his fighting spirit ignited even stronger. He decided to use a counter-strategy to lure out those hidden enemies and eliminate them completely.