The Playboy of the Flourishing Tang Dynasty

Li Yi slowly opened his eyes, his head still spinning as if he were drunk. In the hazy blur before him, he saw on a nearby wall a piece of calligraphy in a flying white script—words that seemed somehow familiar: “If I have a healer, this life is enough!” The inscription was clear: "Imperial Hand, Fourth Year of the Zhenguan Era!"

A jolt of shock gripped Li Yi’s heart.

“This is... the fourth year of Zhenguan in the Great Tang?” The words escaped his lips, yet there was no one else in the room to answer him.

He pressed his fingers to his temples and rose from the bed, standing alone in the room and taking in the classical arrangements with a sense of bewilderment. Directly in front of the bed stood a slim-legged table of red sandalwood, upon which lay brushes, ink, and paper. Beneath the table was a crescent-shaped low stool. Aside from these, there was only the calligraphy on the wall.

At a glance, the room seemed clean and uncluttered, yet it exuded an air of opulence and nobility—this was Li Yi’s first impression. Judging from the layout and furnishings, he was certain he was now in the Tang dynasty, for such splendid décor was a hallmark of the Zhenguan period.

“Have I truly crossed into the Tang dynasty?” His eyes darted about in doubt as he pushed open the redwood door.

Just outside waited a maid in blue, who hurried to meet him. She scanned him up and down, her face marked with worry and fear as she called softly, “Young Master, you’re awake...”

“Young Master?” Li Yi frowned, puzzled.

At that instant, a torre