A Wonderful Journey for Wang Tong (Part 1)

"Wang Tong."

"What?"

"I keep feeling like there's something seriously wrong with us."

Inside the VR headset, Zhang Ying watched as a new figure appeared in the viewing window and couldn't help muttering over the voice channel:

"There are so many famous figures in Ming history. A normal person might choose Zhu Yuanzhang or Empress Ma as a guide, right? At the very least, they'd pick someone like Zhang Juzheng or Liu Bowen, wouldn't they?"

"Or Qi Jiguang or Hai Rui would've worked too. But we just had to pick this bizarre Oirat exchange student. The only one I can think of who'd be an even weirder choice for a guide is Chongzhen."

Hearing Zhang Ying's complaint, Wang Tong raised an eyebrow.

"Sweetheart, you were the one who suggested Zhu Qizhen."

"Exactly."

Zhang Ying nodded listlessly and pointed at herself with her index finger.

"I suggested him, and you agreed, so I'm saying there's something wrong with both of us."

"If Little Xu sees that we picked Zhu Qizhen, she might laugh until the museum closes."

Wang Tong chuckled twice at that but didn't reply. Instead, he looked at the middle-aged man who had appeared before him.

The man was about five foot nine, with a round face and a burly, upright build. He wore a red military official's uniform, with a protective panel hanging from his belt. All in all, he had a fine appearance.

Wang Tong studied him curiously for a few moments, then hesitated before asking:

"E-Excuse me, are you Tu— I mean, Emperor Yingzong of Ming, Zhu Qizhen?"

The middle-aged man had been standing off to the side with a pleasant smile ever since he "appeared." At Wang Tong's question, he immediately cupped his hands toward them both.

"That is correct. I am Zhu Qizhen, Digital