Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.

Zhou Lingyun, a young mechanical engineer, returned to his apartment after a long day at work, feeling exhausted. Although he was hungry, he didn't feel like cooking and decided to buy some instant noodles from a nearby supermarket. After eating, he turned on the TV and started watching a historical drama.

However, he must have dozed off because when he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a completely unfamiliar place. The room he was in was lavishly decorated with ornate furniture and decorations. He looked around, feeling disoriented, and noticed a woman in her forties dressed in lavish, ancient-looking clothes sitting beside his bed. Several women who looked like servants were also present.

The woman noticed that he had woken up and immediately called for a doctor. Zhou Lingyun felt a rush of confusion and panic as he tried to piece together what was happening. Suddenly some memories flooded back in his head.

He was in the body of the third emperor of the Zhou dynasty, who shared his name. The Zhou dynasty, was the largest and most prosperous in the Jingyang region. He had just ascended to the throne after his father's death, and his country was currently in a period of uncertainty. Today, in the midst of his ascension ceremony, he suddenly blacked out, only to find himself now, inexplicably, in the body of the emperor. The woman standing beside his bed was his mother, the newly crowned empress dowager and former empress.

It was then that the doctor arrived, an elderly man dressed in traditional clothing. He examined Zhou Lingyun, checking his pulse. The doctor said to his mother that he had no physical complications; maybe he was just overwhelmed by the crowd at the ascension ceremony.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

Zhou Lingyun finally gathered his thoughts and asked his mother, “Mother, how’s everything going on outside.”

His mother said, “Your majesty, you do not have to think about it much. Your ministers and I have settled as much as we can. The people were just worried about the health about their ruler. You have to rest properly for your recovery.” She said to others in the room, “Disperse.”

As the room cleared out, his mother sat beside him and held his hand. “My dear son, I know this must be overwhelming for you. But you are the emperor now, and you must be strong for our people. You have a duty to lead and protect them.”

All this long, Zhou Lingyun was not sure about what to do now, what will be happen to him. But suddenly he realized something. He nodded, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities settling on his shoulders. He knew he had a lot to learn about this new world he found himself in, but he was determined to do his best.

Zhou Lingyun took a deep breath and asked his mother, “Mother, what do you suggest I do first? I am new to all of this, and I do not want to make any mistakes.” His mother smiled at him, “You have a good head on your shoulders, my son. The first thing you should do is to assemble your council of advisors. They will help guide you and assist you in making important decisions for the kingdom.” Zhou Lingyun nodded, “Thank you, Mother. I will follow your advices.”

His mother smiled at him again, “Then I shall excuse now. You take full day rest now. From tomorrow, you can meet your ministers and advisors.” He replied, "Thank you, Mother. I will rest and prepare to meet my advisors tomorrow." His mother nodded and stood up from her seat. "Goodnight, my son. Sleep well." She then turned and left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

As he lay there, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation about the days ahead. He had been given a second chance at life, but this time, he was not just an ordinary engineer. He was the emperor of a vast and powerful kingdom, with the fate of his people resting on his shoulders. He knew that he had to work hard and make wise decisions if he want to keep his life here and to live up to the expectations of his people and fulfill his duties as their ruler.

With that thought in mind, Zhou Lingyun closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, his mind already racing with ideas and plans for the future.