Chapter 1494: What a Surprise

Luo Ziling wasn’t very knowledgeable about the history of the Qin Dynasty, so during the outing, he wasn’t able to endlessly brag like he did at the Daming Palace Ruins Park and the Huaqing Pool Scenic Area.

However, throughout the trip, he still ended up saying the most, sharing every historical anecdote and tidbit he knew.

When visiting historical sites, the most enjoyable part is incorporating historical lore into the introduction of the tourist spot.

If you’re traveling to a historically rich place like Chang’an and don’t understand its history, nor have someone knowledgeable to explain it to you, the experience can feel quite dull.

While Yang Qingyin was relatively well-versed in history, Luo Yuqing and Ouyang Feifei didn’t know much beyond what was taught in textbooks. The other women—Ye Xiaoli, Wang Qing, and Lin—were about the same.

Women naturally seem to have fewer "cells" in this area. Even someone like Yang Qingyin, a top student in the history department, couldn’t match Luo Ziling in terms of historical knowledge. And much of what Luo Ziling said differed greatly from what’s taught in textbooks.

For example, textbooks often portray Huang Chao’s uprising as righteous, but according to Luo Ziling, it carried countless flaws. He nearly painted Huang Chao as utterly reprehensible, and he even spoke disparagingly about so-called righteous peasant uprisings.

Since Luo Ziling was able to back his opinions with reason and rebut opposing viewpoints effectively, his perspective was accepted by others.

Luo Ziling’s extensive knowledge of history even softened opinions held by those originally prejudiced against him, like Wang Qing.

It turned out that this man, who seemed to enjoy "playing with" women’s feelings, wasn’t just a pretty face.

But when Luo Ziling blurted out that men could conquer the world by conquering women, and went on to say he was perfectly fine with women being dominant, Wang Qing returned to looking down on him.

The other women also took issue with his later comments, especially Ouyang Feifei, who caught up with Luo Ziling to directly express her disappointment.

"I know exactly what you’re thinking," Luo Ziling couldn’t resist countering after being mocked a few times. "You just want to see a man more dominant than you, don’t you? You want a guy who’s tougher and more capable to conquer you all, so you wouldn’t have any regrets and could willingly submit to a man like that. Too bad, that guy isn’t me. I’m just someone who’s content with small comforts, someone happy to spend his days among a bunch of flowers and plants."

In response, no one agreed with him—not even Yang Qingyin.

This left Luo Ziling feeling very frustrated.

"It’s the whole ’loneliness of being at the top’ thing," Luo Ziling finally said, mocking himself. "You don’t get it now, but this mindset only comes from reaching a certain level. Once you’re older, you’ll understand."

"Pfft. You talk as if you’re already seventy or eighty years old," Luo Yuqing couldn’t resist expressing her disdain.

By the time they were having this conversation, they had already arrived at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.

In front of the imperial tomb, there were also dance and song performances.

The performance depicted Qin soldiers returning victorious, receiving a grand welcome from the people. Many young girls, swooning over the heroes, ran up to offer flowers and express their admiration for these warriors.

"Women from any era are drawn to heroes," Ouyang Feifei remarked after watching the performance. "Haven’t you ever thought about becoming a widely admired, successful person?"

Luo Ziling glanced sideways at Ouyang Feifei. "I’m already the most admired campus heartthrob. If I became even more successful, I’d be more popular than money itself. Women would be harassing me daily—how would I even live then?"

His words earned him a dissatisfied eye-roll from Ouyang Feifei, while Luo Yuqing couldn’t help but mock Luo Ziling for being too vain.

After laughing for a while, Luo Yuqing then asked him with a grin, "You’re not planning on becoming one of those rich playboys who spends his days partying, are you?"

"I’ve already grown used to loneliness, spending over a decade alone in a tiny Northwest village. Why would I suddenly want to go partying?"

This statement earned collective disdain from the women.

"Wow, I never thought you were this full of yourself," Yang Qingyin tilted her head, looking at Luo Ziling. "Today, you’ve really showed a new side of yourself."

Luo Ziling didn’t take her seriously and replied with a chuckle, "Haha, I’ve always been good at surprising people."

"Shameless," muttered Luo Yuqing behind him. She suddenly thought of something and asked, "By the way, today’s Lantern Festival, isn’t it? Didn’t you promise us a surprise? What’s the surprise? Tell us already!"

"There isn’t one," Luo Ziling spread his hands helplessly. "After being told I’m useless by you lot, I feel so disheartened. They say ’Different paths can’t lead to mutual understanding,’ so tonight we’ll just do our own things. Goodbye!"

With that, Luo Ziling walked off on his own, leaving behind several stunned women.

Luo Yuqing quickly realized what was happening and angrily shouted at him before chasing after him. Yang Qingyin and Ouyang Feifei exchanged glances, knowing Luo Ziling was just joking, but ultimately decided not to follow.

By the time they left Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, it was already four o’clock in the afternoon.

On the way back, Luo Yuqing, Yang Qingyin, and Ouyang Feifei finally ended up in the same car. Luo Yuqing sat in the middle, with Ouyang Feifei and Yang Qingyin on either side, while Luo Ziling was forced to sit in the front passenger seat with them.

At this hour, there were many cars heading back to the city, and the roads were a little congested.

After a full day of sightseeing, everyone felt a bit tired. Ouyang Feifei and Yang Qingyin closed their eyes and nodded off as soon as they got in the car.

Luo Yuqing, still irritated, kept pestering Luo Ziling to deliver the surprise he promised.

Luo Ziling ignored her, claiming he was too tired and closed his eyes to pretend to nap.

In the end, though, Luo Yuqing harassed him so much that he couldn’t sleep even for a moment.

"Fine, I’ll treat you all to a big feast tonight, okay?" Luo Ziling finally relented, turning his head. "And then we’ll go to Tang Paradise to see the lanterns. Once we’re there, I’ll give you your surprise. Happy now?"

"What kind of surprise?" Luo Yuqing immediately perked up, looking delighted. "Will it be so fun we’ll lose track of direction?"

"Whether you get so happy you lose your sense of direction is up to you to figure out later," Luo Ziling teased, unwilling to reveal much.

His comment roused Ouyang Feifei and Yang Qingyin from their naps.

"What do you have planned?" Ouyang Feifei asked.

"I’m going to throw you in the lake for a swim. Whoever swims fastest gets a reward."

Ouyang Feifei rolled her eyes and closed them again, ignoring him.

Sitting behind Luo Ziling, Yang Qingyin reached out to pinch him and leaned forward, whispering, "Did you prepare lanterns for us? Is that the surprise?"

Luo Ziling kept up the mystery. "Haha, wait until we get to Tang Paradise tonight to unravel the secret!"

This earned him another pinch from Yang Qingyin.

Luo Yuqing also grumpily reached out to pinch him, making him yelp in pain.

Despite that, the three women all believed Luo Ziling would surprise them tonight.

They were feeling a bit excited with anticipation.