Recalling the various events of his past life, Xie Wenyuan pondered his plans for this life while engaging in casual conversation with his classmates.

After they finalized their agreement to attend the poetry gathering, the private school finally reached the end of the school day.

Everyone was happily packing their book boxes and leaving, heading off to meet their families or servants to go home.

However, compared to the other classmates who were rushing out, Xie Wenyuan moved at a leisurely pace.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go home, nor was he feeling anxious about seeing his deceased relatives after many years; his resolve had always been strong and steadfast, and such emotions were not enough to throw him off balance.

He was simply thinking about how to explain to his parents and younger brother about the memories of his past life.

That’s right.

Xie Wenyuan planned to tell his family about his past life through the guise of a dream.

This wasn’t an impulsive or foolish decision; it was because his parents and brother were quite clever. If he showed even the slightest abnormal behavior, he wouldn’t be able to hide it. If he didn’t clarify things, it could lead to misunderstandings and distance, which would be disastrous.

Of course, the most important thing was that he had some plans that required his family’s cooperation to succeed.

As for whether his family would be scared or fearful upon learning about his tragic past life and thus distance themselves from him, the “bad thing”?

That was impossible.

Although the three of them looked a bit crooked, they were absolutely united in their goal of wealth and prosperity.

In his past life, whether it was when he broke his leg, during the time of his family’s confiscation and exile, or while suffering in a harsh land, his parents and brother had never blamed him.

All they did was curse the heavens for not giving them good fortune and encourage him to find a way to rise again.

To live a good life, no difficulty or danger was a problem in their eyes.

As long as they were alive, the desire to make things happen would never die!

So, before the arrival of his cousin from another world, it was necessary to first settle his parents and brother.

With this thought in mind, Xie Wenyuan adjusted his mindset and walked out of the private school.

“Father, Mother, little brother, you’re here…”

He looked at the three familiar faces and felt a wave of emotion about the remarkable achievements of his parents and brother in his past life before forcing a weary and distracted smile.

Overall, it was the kind of expression that clearly indicated something significant had happened.

“Son, you finally came out! Why are you so late today?”

“Hey, brother, why do you look so pale?”

“Did something happen at the private school, or are you feeling unwell?”

Waiting at the entrance of the private school were Xie’s father, Xie’s mother, and his younger brother, Qing Ge’er. Seeing his unusual appearance, they naturally stepped forward to express their concern.

Not to mention, Xie Wenyuan was their hope in life; who wouldn’t be anxious if something happened to a family member?

Seeing that they were perceptive, Xie Wenyuan skillfully held back tears, his eyes glistening, as he choked out, “Father, Mother, let’s find a place where no one is around; I have something to tell you.”

“Okay.”

Both Xie’s father and mother were smart people, and upon seeing this, they immediately realized that their son might indeed be facing a serious issue.

Without asking further questions, they signaled for Qing Ge’er to help their eldest son onto the ox cart and hurriedly drove away.

The ox cart wasn’t actually Xie’s family’s property but rather a village asset.

After all, Xie’s family was truly poor now, having spent all their money to support Xie Wenyuan’s education.

They had to save every penny for his next imperial examination and for socializing with classmates; they couldn’t afford to buy an ox.

However, since Xie Wenyuan was the only scholar in the village, every month on the day he returned home, the village would lend the ox cart to Xie’s family to curry favor with him.

Usually, they treated him with utmost respect. Ever since he passed the childhood examination at 14, the village and clan would come to him for advice on any major matters.

When he passed the scholar examination at 17, it was even more incredible; the clan practically treated him like a living ancestor.

With such flattery, Xie Wenyuan felt it was no surprise that he had been so proud and arrogant in his youth in his past life.

Young people are often unstable in temperament; anyone who was constantly praised like that would surely get carried away.

So, the path he took in his past life was definitely not solely his fault; everyone had a part to play!

Anyway, Xie Wenyuan was all about maintaining his spirit without internal strife.

He wasn’t wrong!

The ones who were wrong were all the others; he was the most outstanding and the most correct.

—

Xie’s father often wandered around, knowing where the crowds were thick and where they were sparse.

The ox cart quickly found a secluded spot by a wide, unobstructed riverbank, ensuring that no one could accidentally overhear their conversation.

Once Xie Wenyuan confirmed that the location was fine, he didn’t delay any longer and immediately slipped back into his acting mode.

With his eyes reddening and filling with tears again, he knelt heavily before his father and mother, his voice choked and pained as he said, “Father, Mother, I had a nightmare the other day, it felt so real, like Zhuang Zhou dreaming of a butterfly. In the dream, I was unfilial and useless, I’m sorry for you both, and I’m sorry for little brother…”

Though it was acting, there were genuine feelings involved.

Xie Wenyuan didn’t think there was anything wrong with being greedy for power and wealth in his past life, but he truly felt useless and was very sorry for the family that had always supported him wholeheartedly.

If only he had been a bit more careful and diligent in his past life, perhaps the outcome would have been better.

But unfortunately, there were no “ifs” in the past.

Fortunately, he now had the chance to start over.

Xie Wenyuan briefly recounted the experiences of his past life, omitting the details and presenting it as a dream.

He didn’t want to mention reincarnation.

Not because he was afraid his family would think of him as a monster, but because explaining it would be too troublesome given his parents’ level of education; using a dream was much easier to understand.

As expected, their reactions were completely different from what ordinary people would think.

Xie’s father was delighted, “Son, you became a high official?”

Xie’s mother was shocked, “Son, you even left your name in the history books?”

Xie’s younger brother was excited, “Brother, I married a prince and became a prince’s wife?”

Oh my, their future prospects were unexpectedly so bright!

Xie Wenyuan: …

Confirming their expressions, it was clear that the three of them were indeed family.

Under the adoring gazes of his family, Xie Wenyuan felt both proud and a bit shy, clearing his throat to remind them.

“Father, Mother, don’t be too happy. In the dream, I did become a high official, but I was soon confiscated and exiled; you wouldn’t have had a good life following me for long…”

“And little brother, you’re not a prince’s wife, just a side consort. It’s all my fault for being useless; I could only let you be a concubine, and in the end, I was exiled…”

“Father, Mother, little brother, this dream felt too real. I really felt so useless in the dream, and I’ve been restless these past few days. I’m so afraid this dream might become reality.”

“Father, Mother, what should I do? I don’t want you to suffer because of me, I don’t want you to die because of me, and I don’t want to be a treacherous minister who gets scolded and dies a horrible death.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t take the imperial examination or become an official; I could just open a private school in the village and be a teacher. Our family would definitely be able to live a stable life…”

As he spoke, Xie Wenyuan wiped his tears, looking indecisive and anxious.

Even though he was a scholar and quite clever, he was still just a teenager, and it was normal to be frightened after such a vivid nightmare.

Seeing this, Xie’s father and mother didn’t doubt him at all; they believed his words even more.

Because they knew very well what kind of person their son was; he wouldn’t say such defeatist things about giving up his official career unless the dream had truly frightened him.

In the dream, their family had indeed suffered too much; they hadn’t enjoyed a good life for long and had all endured hardships.

Their son had even died a horrible death; it was truly terrifying…

But.

Although the ending was tragic, their eldest son had actually become a high official! Although it was an official of a neighboring country, he was still a high official, second only to the emperor!

Their little brother even married a prince, almost becoming a noble in the palace!

If this dream could come true, it would be so hopeful.

As for the tragic ending, they all knew from the dream and could find ways to avoid it.

Wanting to live a life of luxury and comfort, how could one not take risks and work hard?

With this thought in mind, Xie’s father and mother immediately helped Xie Wenyuan up, excitedly encouraging him.

“Son, don’t be afraid; it’s just a dream! How can one become an official without vying for power and profit? If one day we are confiscated and exiled, that’s just our fate; we’ll consider ourselves unlucky, but at least we enjoyed wealth and glory, so it’s not a loss. Your mother and I won’t blame you.”

“We can’t give up; if you’re scared by a dream, your mother and I would look down on you.”

“Who knows, this might be our ancestors sending a spirit to help you, this promising descendant!”

The more Xie’s father and mother spoke, the more they felt it was true.

Their son was already clever, and now he had this dream that seemed to predict the future; wouldn’t that help him avoid many dangers and live more smoothly?

This was not a nightmare; it was clearly a sign from their ancestors.

Xie’s younger brother also excitedly comforted him.

“Brother, even if this dream comes true, it’s still something that hasn’t happened yet. You’re so smart; you’ll definitely find a way to change our ending.”

“Even if the things in the dream can’t be changed, being confiscated and exiled, or dying a horrible death doesn’t matter; how one dies is still death, right? After all, we’ve enjoyed a few years of wealth and glory.”

Xie Wenyuan: …

It’s easy for them to say; after all, he’s the only one who would die a horrible death, right?

But he definitely had to climb up, and even if he were to be shattered to pieces again, he wouldn’t give up.

He just had to keep up the act a little longer.

Xie Wenyuan wore a perplexed expression as he pondered.

“But in the dream, I was a treacherous minister, leaving a bad name in history. I clearly just wanted to be a high official and secure some wealth and glory for our family; how did I become so bad? I was clearly an upright gentleman.”

Xie’s father: …

Xie’s mother: …

Xie’s younger brother: …

This was something to say to outsiders; in front of family, one should have a clear self-awareness.

It wasn’t impossible for their family to produce a treacherous minister.

Xie’s mother awkwardly laughed, “Son, a dream is just a dream; the future depends on our own abilities. What treacherous minister? That’s just because others are envious and jealous of your high position!”

Xie’s father nodded, “Exactly, son, if you were truly a heartless person, how could you have such a heavenly encounter like Zhuang Zhou dreaming of a butterfly?”

Xie’s younger brother encouraged, “Brother, if you’re afraid of harming the common people, then just rebel and become the emperor! At that time, the world will be yours, and you definitely wouldn’t want to harm anyone.”

After saying that, the little brother hugged his arm and acted cute.

“Brother~ I want to be a prince’s wife, I want to be part of the royal family, I don’t want to be just a country boy anymore; you just need to work hard. After all, we only have one life; how we mess around doesn’t really matter, does it?”

Xie Wenyuan: …

That’s really too different from what my little brother wants.

The author has something to say:
The three families’ motto: Outstanding to outsiders, united within!