Chapter Two: Nightfall Reflections, A Resolve to Rise
Amidst the jeers and ridicule of the crowd, Su Jin fled the training grounds, running wildly until he reached the sanctuary of his secluded residence. He gasped for air, the humiliation he felt surging like a turbulent tide, battering his reason wave after wave. He knew all too well that in this family and dynasty—a world that prized martial prowess and political intrigue—he was no better than a fish on a chopping block, left to the mercy of others.
Once inside his room, Su Jin downed a large cup of cold tea, desperately trying to steady his nerves. He sat on the edge of his bed and began to meticulously sift through the memories of his predecessor. Each recollection acted like a key, gradually unlocking a more comprehensive understanding of this world and his own precarious position. He realized that although the Duke of the State’s mansion had once been illustrious, it was now mired in the quagmire of power struggles. His father, Su Zhenting, was a career soldier constantly stationed at the borders; while he was aware of the infighting within the household, he had no time to attend to it. As the heir, Su Jin’s own long-standing incompetence had not only provided opportunities for those with ulterior motives, but had also turned him into a soft target, easily manipulated by his enemies.
Relying on his deep grasp of history and his accumulation of modern knowledge, he began to plot his future course. He understood that to survive in this world, he had to change—to evolve from a despised, spineless heir into a powerhouse capable of controlling his own destiny and safeguarding the family’s honor.
This would be no easy task; it would require immense effort and sacrifice. Yet, the unyielding drive within him burned like a beacon in the darkness, granting him resolute faith. As night fell, the entire estate sank into silence, with only Su Jin’s room casting a faint glow. He sat at his desk with a book on military strategy open before him, though his thoughts had drifted far away. He pondered how to utilize modern knowledge and analytical thinking to carve out a place for himself in this strange and dangerous world.
He knew that martial strength was the foundation of survival here, and he had to improve his skills as quickly as possible. At the same time, political maneuvering was indispensable; only by navigating the power struggles of the imperial court and the household with ease could he truly protect himself and his family. Su Jin recalled the military strategy books and historical dramas he had consumed in his previous life, realizing the wisdom and tactics contained within might well serve his purpose. He decided to begin by enhancing his physical condition, drawing upon modern training methods to draft a rigorous schedule. Starting tomorrow, he would rise at dawn and head to the mountains behind the estate for long-distance running, climbing, and other drills to bolster his stamina and endurance.
As for martial arts, he could no longer afford to be half-hearted. He would diligently study swordsmanship, spear techniques, and the handling of various weapons, while learning how to apply tactics flexibly in combat. Regarding the art of statecraft, he needed to observe the situation within the household and the court with greater caution, forging alliances with those who were upright and capable to build his own sphere of influence. He could no longer remain indifferent to family affairs; he had to participate actively, understand the competing interests, and seek opportunities to find balance and break through the status quo.
Su Jin understood that the path ahead was strewn with thorns, but he had no other choice. Gazing out at the pitch-black night sky, his eyes shone with unwavering resolve. "From this day on, I, Su Jin, am no longer that bullied, pathetic heir. I will make everyone look at me with new eyes. I will protect the glory of the Duke’s mansion and write my own legend in this Qianyuan Dynasty."
In the flickering light of the candle, Su Jin picked up a brush and wrote six characters on a sheet of rice paper: "Endurance, Empowerment, Breakthrough." These words served as both a warning to himself and the guiding principle for his future actions. He knew the road ahead was long and arduous, but as long as he persisted, he would surely achieve his goal.