Chapter 1255: Rules for Raising a Loyal Dog 19

Zhou Zhenghong realized from the moment his body was taken over that others could no longer see him.

This happened too bizarrely; it was just a night's sleep, and upon waking he found his body possessed by a strange spirit.

He heard that person say that after death one could still transmigrate; indeed it was the fate of a born protagonist, and he still had to carve out his own domain in this ancient era.

Zhou Zhenghong did not know what that strange spirit was saying.

He was merely anxious; if his parents did not notice what to do, and with the wedding less than two months away, what should he do then?

But Zhou Zhenghong could only fret; he tried many ways but could not return, and the strange spirit never noticed him. Gradually he learned that the strange spirit was also called Zhou Zhihong.

No, that's not right; only he is Zhou Zhenghong, while that "modern person" is called Zhou Zhihong.

Zhou Zhihong used his body to do many bad things.

Unruly, he talked back to his elder brother and father, and spoke harshly to his mother.

Whenever Zhou Zhihong did these things, Zhou Zhenghong thought, why not simply let him become a vengeful ghost, so he could at least punish this wicked person for the family.

But he was merely a transparent shadow that even a bronze mirror could not reflect.

After some days, the marriage matter came up again, and Zhou Zhihong began to bully his future husband.

Zhou Zhenghong was anxious, helpless, and despairing.

All he could possibly do was accompany his Yu'er by her side, even though he could not be seen.

Day after day, only his obsession burned.

Zhou Zhenghong sometimes even felt that he could no longer consider himself human, but a ghost or a puppet.

At the time of calling off the engagement, Zhou Zhenghong's heart was complex; despite myriad regrets, they could not outweigh the unpredictability of worldly affairs.

But he did not expect that Yu'er and his friends had already detected Zhou Zhihong's presence, and even set a trap to re‑engage him in anticipation of his return.

Perhaps it was their strong faith, or perhaps those memories not yet faded, that rekindled hope in Zhou Zhenghong, who was hardly distinguishable from a wandering soul.

Until today's autumn chrysanthemum banquet.

As before, Zhou Zhenghong accompanied Xu Huaiyu waking in the bedroom, avoided her briefly while she dressed and washed, and waited at the gate of the courtyard.

But he did not notice that, due to the arising of a new obsession, his soul was no longer transparent and gradually gained substance.

—

Zhou Manor Rear Chrysanthemum Garden.

Nobles' sons and young ladies were all invited; although Young Master Zhou's reputation was now terrible, the major clans of Wanling City were intertwined, and for the sake of family interests they had to come.

But they did not expect that Xu Huaiyu would also come.

"I heard the marriage between the two families was already off, so why is Master Xu still coming to the banquet?"

"Who knows, but I also heard that Lord Sima has been frequently going in and out of the Xu residence lately; perhaps the engagement isn't over yet."

Xu Huaiyu was not unable to hear the whispers at the table; he simply pretended not to notice, and even smiled a bit more than usual, leaving everyone guessing what he was thinking.

Zhou Zhihong paid even less attention, anxiously gazing at the chrysanthemum garden archway, his thoughts heavy.

If Jin Chen did not come, who would this show be performed for today?

Fortunately, fate always favors this "protagonist".

"The Heir Apparent, Your Highness has arrived—"

Hearing the servant's announcement, all the seated young masters and ladies rose to salute, their hearts even more astonished.

Although Young Master Zhou is confined, this is the Heir Apparent's punishment—how could he also attend the banquet?

Those who had originally planned to cut off future contact with Zhou Zhenghong now exchanged bewildered glances, truly unable to understand.

Jin Chen leisurely passed through the archway, wearing a lake‑blue plain‑silk brocade long robe, waist tied with a jade belt, holding a white jade bone fan, exuding nobility and charm.

But who is the young gentleman at his side? He looks completely unfamiliar.

Another round of whispers arose, or those who had also gone to the Drunken Dream Pavilion that day said this was Jin Chen's guard, which quelled the identity speculation; but the topic merely shifted to, "Surely the Heir Apparent is extraordinary—his guards even look spirited."

This remark carried teasing and ridicule, referring to the rumor spreading throughout Wanling City lately that the Heir Apparent dislikes women and therefore favors beautiful young men.

Although social customs now allow men to marry each other, that is not a privilege the imperial clan may possess; imperial offspring may only take male concubines and cannot have a principal husband, which is the current dynasty's unspoken rule.

Yet with the Heir Apparent, everything changes; if he does not produce offspring, even if Prince Han consents, the Son of Heaven far away in the capital, who still does not know of this, would surely not agree either.

Naturally, they dare not utter such words openly, only relieving boredom in private.

As Jin Chen passed through the archway, he was startled by the sight before him.

His steps halted, and he scanned the empty space beside Zhou Zhihong and himself.

Strange—how could there be two main aggressors?

【Ah! A ghost!】

0731 hides for one second.

"Master, what's wrong?" Yajiu, whose attention was always on Jin Chen, asked and also looked over, but found nothing.

"Nothing."

Jin Chen continued walking inward, his gaze gradually becoming full of interest, unintentionally sweeping over the soul‑body of Zhou Zhenghong.

"Brother Chen……no, Your Highness the Heir Apparent."

Zhou Zhihong hurried forward a few steps with his wine cup, and contrary to his usual attitude, he was deferential and respectful toward Jin Chen.

If only his acting were a bit better.

Jin Chen mentally critiqued, this fellow almost had "I want to kill you" written on his face.

"Recently I was overly arrogant and offended Your Highness; I beg Your Highness's forgiveness."

Saying this, Zhou Zhihong raised his cup with both hands and drained it in one gulp, as if hoping to dispel past grievances with Jin Chen.

Jin Chen stood with his hands behind his back, the jade fan lightly tapping his palm, remarking, "Attitude not bad."

"Does Your Highness mean you won't hold it against me?" Zhou Zhihong rejoiced, having thought he would still need to argue his case.

"Hmph."

Jin Chen snorted coldly, turned his head to Yajiu and said, "Xiao Jiu, look—some people just have no shame."

Yajiu gave Zhou Zihong a cold glance, conveying his master's meaning: "Apologizing is appropriate, but you're pushing your luck."

"Oh," Jin Chen raised his eyebrows in surprise, ruffling Yajiu's hair, completely unbothered by all the eyes watching, "You've made great progress in reading and writing lately."

Yajiu pressed his lips together in a smile, a faint blush quickly rising on the tips of his ears, hidden by his hair.

"It's because my master taught me well."

Day after day of such instruction… it's hard not to learn.

The two played off each other, completely ignoring the embarrassed Zhou Zihong.

Zhou Zihong gritted his teeth in silent hatred; if not for wanting to climb higher, who would fawn over that dog-eyed, lowly Heir Apparent?

Now being made a monkey here, Zhou Zihong never expected that Xu Huaiyu would come to his rescue.

"Cousin, for my sake, let him off today—have him come apologize another day."

Xu Huaiyu forced a fake smile; even if acting, he didn't want to utter that monster's name.

Jin Chen shrugged, glanced at the spirit accompanying Xu Huaiyu, and didn't care much.

"Then do as you wish."

He was actually happy to go along with the protagonist's schemes, as long as they were useful.