The Human Emperor Chapter 2: Reincarnated to a Human

The autumn wind rustled through the air. The closer Wang Chong approached the grand hall, the more a sense of unease gripped him. Perhaps it is only upon losing someone that their true value becomes apparent. In his past life, he had drifted through days aimlessly, utterly indifferent to everything, never allowing anything to disturb his peace. It was hard to fathom how a simple meal could now fill him with such trepidation. “This must be what they call the fear of returning to one’s homeland.” Wang Chong whispered to himself. Raising his gaze, he beheld a colossal gate adorned with two fierce lion heads, one to the left, one to the right. His family’s dining hall lay just beyond. The Wang Family, while not a grand noble clan, was still a respected lineage of generals. Consequently, even though his mother didn’t impose many strict rules on their behavior, they were still expected to uphold the decorum befitting a prominent family. The Wang Clan boasted a considerable number of descendants. Nevertheless, irrespective of their status, including his own father, any family member residing in the capital was mandated to attend the weekly family gathering. All would convene around a large, circular table for a meal characterized by harmony. This marked the final day of Wang Chong’s confinement. It also signified his first family meal in a full seven days. However, this was not what occupied Wang Chong’s thoughts. If events unfolded as they had in his previous existence, his father should have returned home by this hour. Due to his father’s demanding official duties, he would depart at dawn and seldom return before late night. Even as his son, meeting him at will was an impossibility. Following that particular incident, his father would depart the capital with utmost haste for the military barracks. It was highly probable that for the subsequent half-year, any reunion would be out of the question. If he intended to avert the calamity that befell his clan, this family gathering presented the prime opportunity, and indeed, the final one. However, would his father extend him any belief? Recollecting his past self, Wang Chong fell silent. As the saying goes, one reaps what one sows. In his former life, he had considered himself a detached observer, indulging in a life of pleasure. Treating existence as a mere game, he had engaged in countless foolish acts. Initially, his sole desire was to roam the world at his leisure, engaging in frivolous pursuits. Thus, he spent his days and nights away from home, seeking the company of unsavory individuals. The ‘Ma Zhou’ his younger sister had mentioned was one such acquaintance. In his previous life, Wang Chong was characterized by his directness and honesty. He rarely delved into complex thought. He often believed that friendship necessitated sincerity. He could never have anticipated that the other young masters harbored such insidious intentions. While they presented themselves as brothers, they plotted against him behind his back. These individuals exploited his name for their own illicit activities. Ultimately, he was falsely accused and tainted with the grave offense of raping a village maiden in broad daylight. While other transgressions might have been overlooked, the charge of ‘raping a village maiden’ was a step too far. Even his father, who was frequently absent on military matters and rarely intervened in his personal life, upon learning of this accusation, rushed back in the dead of night. As a consequence of this affair, Wang Chong was placed under house arrest for a week. He had caused profound disappointment to his father through this matter. During the period following his transmigration, despite his rebellious nature and frequent inappropriate conduct, he had not yet descended to such depths. But the accusation of rape... This had irrevocably crossed a moral boundary in his father’s eyes. From that moment onward, his father relinquished all hope for his son and ceased to concern himself with him. It was only much later, long after the incident, that Wang Chong understood he had been set up by Ma Zhou and his cohorts, a realization that plunged him into prolonged despair. Even with this foreknowledge, conveying the truth to his parents would prove immensely difficult. Moreover, had he possessed the discernment to see through their deceitful natures, such a betrayal might have been averted. Given the current emotional state of his parents, they were unlikely to heed his words. After all, what sensible actions or words could be expected from a dissolute and ignorant playboy? At this juncture, a profound bitterness surged within Wang Chong. He was compelled to endure the bitter consequences of his own past actions. “Regardless of the circumstances, I must abandon this reckless persona. I am determined to reshape my father’s perception of me, by any means necessary.” Wang Chong was acutely aware that this family meal gathering represented his sole chance to alter the unfavorable impression his parents held. He had to make them comprehend that he was no longer the same individual. He needed to gradually earn back their trust. Wang Chong drew a deep breath. He now understood the path forward. “Young master!”The massive gate stood firmly shut. Noticing Wang Chong’s arrival, the two imposing guards clad in official attire offered a respectful bow. With broad shoulders and towering builds, they exuded the presence of unyielding fortresses, their very appearance hinting at countless battles waged on the front lines. “Thank you for your hard work.” Wang Chong paused briefly, his gratitude expressed sincerely. He recognized these guards, handpicked by his father, Wang Yan, from the army’s barracks to secure their home. Just as a long journey reveals a horse’s endurance and time unmasks a person’s true heart, Wang Chong, in his past life, had paid little heed to these men, unaware of their names. Yet, after the devastating family upheaval, when betrayal and abandonment were rampant, these two guards, along with a handful of loyal retainers, remained steadfast, offering protection and service. Their unwavering loyalty persisted until the great catastrophe struck, claiming their lives as it did countless others. They served faithfully until their very last breath. It was only then that their names, Shen Hai and Meng Long, became indelibly etched in Wang Chong’s memory – the two most devoted guardians of the entire estate. “Young master?” The guards exchanged glances, surprise evident in their expressions. This young master had always carried himself with a haughty demeanor, deeming it beneath him to converse with men of their station. It was unprecedented for him to initiate a greeting. Their astonishment was palpable, shared by those around them. Wang Chong understood their bewilderment but offered only a silent smile. Rome wasn't built in a day, and the past impression he'd left was deeply unfavorable. Overturning such ingrained perceptions would undoubtedly take time. However, having taken the initial step, he was resolute in continuing forward. Eventually, they would understand the sincerity of his transformation. Placing his hands on the ornate lion head knocker, Wang Chong applied significant force. The heavy door groaned open, its sound reverberating through the grand hall as he stepped inside. “What a feast for the senses!” Before his eyes could adjust, a rich aroma of diverse, mouthwatering delicacies filled the air. The expansive room housed a massive table, easily seating over a dozen individuals, laden with more than twenty sumptuous dishes. “It’s been ages since I’ve enjoyed such a luxurious meal.” Instantly captivated by the scent, Wang Chong’s stomach rumbled with hunger. He recalled the bland fare he’d been served during his seven days of confinement, a stark contrast to the opulent spread before him. Yet, amidst the lavish display, an unsettling tension permeated the atmosphere. A chill coursed through Wang Chong. Raising his gaze, he observed the somber expressions on his father and mother’s faces; neither met his eyes. Though the tantalizing aroma of food wafted through the dining hall, two figures remained motionless. In contrast, his ravenous younger sister was completely engrossed in the meal, one hand clutching chopsticks, the other a bowl, her mouth working ceaselessly as food vanished at an astonishing rate. From his vantage point, only the rhythmic bounce of her twin braids was visible. This younger sister of his possessed but two passions: eating and playing. Wang Chong had nearly fainted from shock the first time he witnessed her eat. She devoured food like a starving beast, not a delicate young girl. However, considering her formidable strength, it was perhaps understandable. Within the household, she was the only one permitted to eat outside designated mealtimes. Typically, her voracious appetite was accompanied by the clatter of bowls and utensils. But now, her mouth moved silently, a clear indication that something was amiss. The air in the grand hall was heavy, almost suffocating. “You! Are! Finished!” While energetically scooping food into her mouth, she cast a sympathetic glance toward Wang Chong. She could already foresee the dire consequences awaiting her elder brother. Though seemingly carefree, this young girl harbored a strong sense of vindictiveness. She had not forgotten his earlier deception!

Wang Chong, his temper flaring, had no time to deal with his infuriating younger sister. He was acutely aware that despite the recent punishment concluding, the repercussions of the incident were far from over.

“Father, Mother!”

Deviating from his usual habit of immediately sitting down and burying his head in food like a defensive ostrich, Wang Chong navigated around the dining table. He approached his parents and stopped directly before them.

Witnessing this, his younger sister’s jaw dropped in astonishment.

What was her brother attempting? Didn’t he realize their parents were still consumed by anger? Approaching them at such a moment felt like a suicidal act!

Yet, a moment of even greater shock awaited the young girl:

“…The fault lies with me in this matter. I shall sever all ties with them and distance myself from them moving forward.”

Wang Chong confessed, his head bowed respectfully.

*Clatter!*

His younger sister’s chopsticks clattered as she stared intently at her brother, her mind reeling. She was so utterly astounded that her lower jaw felt as if it were about to detach. What had transpired? To think her brother would voluntarily admit to his wrongdoings!

Could she possibly have misheard?

She rubbed her eyes, confirming that her ears were not deceiving her.

Within the grand hall, the previously heavy and stifling atmosphere began to dissipate, albeit subtly.

Presiding over the head of the dining table was a middle-aged lady, adorned in an emerald silk robe, her hair elegantly styled in a bun. Disbelief flickered in the beautiful lady’s eyes, her expression momentarily faltering.

Her son, admitting fault?

Zhao Shu Hua found the words almost impossible to process. She had lectured him on this very issue countless times, even resorting to physical punishment and grounding in her attempts to change his behavior, but he had consistently refused to yield.

There were times Zhao Shu Hua harbored feelings of maternal failure, a source of deep personal distress she never revealed to her children.

But now, he had taken the initiative to own his mistakes. Had her son genuinely turned over a new leaf?

In that instant, Zhao Shu Hua felt a tremor of apprehension.

She desperately longed for her child’s transformation to be real, yet she feared it was merely a figment of her wishful thinking. After all, his past conduct had been nothing short of abhorrent.

“You unfilial son! So you do possess the capacity to admit your mistakes?”

An icy voice cut through the air, originating from Wang Chong’s father, Wang Yan. His face was stern, and his gaze was piercing, exerting an intense pressure akin to a spear aimed directly at one’s core.

The ancient text, 《Book of Rites》, states, ‘A father should be loving, and a son should be filial.’ While Wang Chong felt the weight of Wang Yan’s scrutiny, he understood that his father was deliberately restraining his formidable presence, ensuring no harm would come to him.

“What are you implying? Do you doubt Chong-er’s capacity for repentance? Did you not hear him acknowledge his faults?”

Initially, Zhao Shu Hua had worried that Wang Chong’s admission was merely an attempt to placate her. However, upon hearing Father Wang’s sharp retort, her displeasure was immediate. A rule within the royal court dictated that ladies should abstain from political interference, and Zhao Shu Hua had always respected this by not involving herself in Father Wang’s military and political affairs.

Nevertheless, with Father Wang frequently absent commanding the army, the household and the four children largely fell under Madam Wang’s supervision. In matters of child-rearing, Madam Wang held uncontested authority within the family.

Though Father Wang commanded absolute authority on the battlefield, his power within the domestic sphere paled in comparison to Madam Wang’s.

Wang Chong maintained his bowed head, yet he could perceive the subtle shifts in their expressions. His father’s face, though still set like stone, had lost some of its severe tightness; his sternness had softened slightly.

It was evident that his apology had not been entirely in vain.

“I shall accept Father’s admonishment. In the past, Chong-er was excessively stubborn and foolish, causing both Father and Mother considerable sorrow. From this day forward, Chong-er shall forge a new path.”

Wang Chong declared, his gaze still fixed downwards.

That single declaration prompted both Father Wang and Mother Wang to lift their heads simultaneously. They exchanged glances filled with mutual astonishment. The very idea that he wouldn’t retort to criticism was astonishing, perhaps the impossible had finally occurred!

While his initial apology might have been impulsive, his subsequent response was clearly deliberate. Could this once wayward son have truly undergone a profound transformation?

“Chong-er, pay no mind to your father’s words. Come, sit down quickly. As a family, we should dine together in harmony; this somber demeanor is unbecoming.”

Mother Wang urged earnestly.

Wang Chong acknowledged with a simple "Un." He then proceeded to his designated seat, obeying the instruction without hesitation. His head remained bowed as he sat in silence. Since neither Father Wang nor Mother Wang had commenced their meal, Wang Chong maintained his motionless posture.

This surprisingly obedient action on his part elicited another surge of astonishment from both Father Wang and Mother Wang.

"This child has truly undergone a transformation."

The individual experiencing the greatest joy and relief at this particular moment was Mother Wang, whose name was Zhao Shu Hua.

Who wouldn't yearn for their own son to achieve immense success, rising as spectacularly as a dragon ascending to the heavens?

However, the past conduct of her son had repeatedly caused her profound heartache. Was it possible that her earnest pleas had finally been heard, and her child had at last become sensible?

At this juncture, Zhao Shu Hua was so overwhelmed with surging happiness that she nearly wept tears of joy.

The term "Wang Family" primarily denoted Wang Chong's immediate household, while "Wang Clan" encompassed the entire lineage, including all collateral branches.