Film and Television: The Collector Who Rampages Across the Heavens

"Hate!"

Sun San Niang spat lightly, but still agreed, to be honest, she missed it terribly too.

After eating nutritious food for too long, you definitely won't want to eat bland food anymore.

Su Li gently patted her pert buttocks with her backhand and strode into the tea room, where Zhao Pan'er was busy making new tea. Yesterday's visit to the Imperial City Guard seemed to have no effect on her at all.

"Stop busy, come with me for a walk."

He leaned on the table, propped his chin up, and gazed at the beautiful woman in front of him.

"The shop will open soon, and we haven't finished processing some tea leaves yet... Hey, what are you doing?"

Before Zhao Pan'er could finish speaking, her hand was grabbed and she was led outside. Su Li said, "I'll compensate you for the amount you lost."

The sun was shining brightly today, casting rays of light onto the street. He took a floral umbrella from the guard, opened it, and held it over their heads as they walked hand in hand.

"It's so lively!"

Zhao Pan'er didn't know how long it had been since she had strolled around this street. The crowds were dense, and the cries of vendors filled the air, a scene of everyday life in the countryside.

"On days like these, you shouldn't stay in the teahouse; you should go out and see new things," Su Li said with a smile.

Zhao Pan'er nodded in agreement. She originally came to Tokyo to question Ouyang Xu, but later she came to establish herself here. In just over a few months, more things happened than in her several years.

It seems it's time to live my own life, she thought to herself, glancing at the man beside her out of the corner of her eye.

"Pan'er, can you give me the answer to the question I asked you yesterday?" Su Li looked at her with bright eyes.

Zhao Pan'er pretended not to know and said, "What is it? What is the answer... Say it again."

Su Li understood the implication in her words and said with a beaming smile, "I want to marry you. Will you?"

Zhao Pan'er smiled gently, her beauty breathtaking, and nodded: "I do!"

Upon hearing this, Su Li pulled her into his arms, embracing her slender waist. The parasol shielded them from the scorching sun, while passersby cast surprised, envious, and jealous glances their way.

"Alright, alright, let's stop being stared at." Zhao Pan'er could feel the love this man was showing her, so she patted his back lightly and said.

Su Li let go, reached out and tidied her hair at her temples, and continued to walk through the crowd, saying, "After we get married, I will become an official. After all, my wife has her own career, and I can't just sit around doing nothing. I have to find something to do too."

"Who is your wife?" Zhao Pan'er blushed, and a smile appeared on her lips.

Su Li shook his head. He had originally come here with a large amount of military equipment, intending to do something big. However, after fully integrating into the Northern Song Dynasty, he found that there was no fertile ground for rebellion for the time being.

Since that's the case, why not enjoy life to the fullest, become an official or prime minister, and turn the Su family into a powerful clan?

He also had academic achievements in this life, having passed the imperial examination one year ahead of Ouyang Xu. Although he did not achieve the top rank of Zhuangyuan or Tanhua, he was still a scholar.

With his family background and memories of multiple lifetimes, becoming a high-ranking official would be no problem for him.

After strolling around with Zhao Pan'er for a while, he finally escorted her back to the teahouse. During that time, there were some intimate moments, but that wouldn't be enough.

In the days that followed, Su Li discussed marriage with his family. When they learned that he wanted to marry Zhao Pan'er, a woman who had been released from her official status after being convicted of a crime, they were extremely opposed.

However, he resisted fiercely and expressed his willingness to serve as an official in the imperial court, which made the Su family think carefully.

Others may not know, but how could they not know that Su Li's literary and military talents are among the best in the world? If he could become an official, the Su family would gain another pillar of strength in the court. Seeing Su Li's firm attitude, the Su family members had no choice but to accept it reluctantly.

In order to have a good reputation when he gets married, Su Xiuyan had to work on Su Li's behalf and ask the government for an official position.

"Good, handsome and refined... I have read your article, it is very good."

The emperor personally summoned Su Li to meet this talented man. He also learned from his subordinates that the son of the Duke of Ningguo was going to marry a commoner woman. Although she would be his concubine, it was enough to show that the two had a sincere relationship.

He liked to use this kind of person; they were sentimental and had high moral standards. In addition, the Empress had also spoken to him about it, which led to this summons.

In the original drama, the Empress was one of the vortexes in the final plot, and the loss of her virginity at the banquet almost determined her life or death. However, this time, due to the appearance of Su Li, the trajectory of many people has been disrupted, and she is now sitting in the Empress's position quite securely.

Like Zhao Pan'er, she was born into a lowly social class and shared the same compassionate heart.

"Your Majesty flatters me."

Knowing what kind of character the emperor admired, Su Li pretended to be that kind of person.

"You are a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), and you are qualified to be an official. Sangtian County is currently lacking a magistrate. Choose a date to take office. I hope you will not disappoint my trust."

The emperor's meaning was clear: this was a test of your personal abilities. If you could govern the region well, you would naturally have a successful career; otherwise, the opposite would happen.

After receiving a few words of encouragement, Su Li left the palace and told Zhao Pan'er about her situation.

"You did all this for me?" Zhao Pan'er's beautiful face was filled with emotion as she nestled into his arms, biting her lip as she said, "Actually, I don't care about these things."

Wearing a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe when getting married was the dream of all women in the Northern Song Dynasty. The so-called phoenix coronet and embroidered robe was a symbol of a noblewoman... a woman with a title. Only women whose husbands and sons became high-ranking officials could obtain a title.

Wearing a phoenix crown and a wedding robe, she married in grand style.

"The vast land is in my hands, and I am skilled in both literature and military strategy. Rest assured, I can manage Sangtian County to His Majesty's satisfaction in just one year. You only need to wait for me for two years."

Su Li held up two fingers and waved them in front of her, a flirtatious gesture that drew a burst of amused laughter from Zhao Pan'er.

"Pan'er, speaking of which, I'm about to leave Tokyo, and we won't be able to see each other for quite some time. Could you... grant me some wishes?" he whispered in the woman's ear.

"No!" Zhao Pan'er naturally knew what he was thinking and refused without hesitation, then said, "I will go to Sangtian County with you."

"Really?" Su Li feigned surprise.

"Hmph, what do you think I, Zhao Pan'er, am? I can endure hardship. Don't tell me you're going to Sangtian County to be an official, I'll go with you even if you go to Lingnan." Zhao Pan'er stretched out her small fist and punched his chest, as if blaming him for not believing her.

"This is what you call a harmonious couple, hmm, so blissful." Su Li kissed the back of her fair hand, gazing at her with deep affection.

"Alright, you're about to leave for Sangtian County, I need to pack my things and talk to Third Sister and Yin Zhang," Zhao Pan'er said.

She didn't know that Sun San Niang and Song Yin Zhang already knew, and that they also planned to go to Sangtian County with Su Li. They ran the teahouse just to make a living, but after getting together with Su Li, they naturally didn't lack money. Their only wish was to marry Su Li.

So everyone agreed immediately and started packing their things to head to Kuwata Prefecture soon. As for the teahouse in Tokyo, it naturally continued to operate.

Song Yinzhang had a female apprentice named Su Niang, who continued to play the pipa in the tea room. Pastries and tea were also made, and with the Su family looking after them, there was basically no one to cause trouble.

Su Li approached Gao Hui, saying that since Zhao Niangzi couldn't eat, Gao Niangzi could eat her ahead of time.

"My lord has been making headlines in Tokyo recently. He was summoned by the Emperor and granted an official position for a commoner woman. Everyone says... the Su family has a son who entered officialdom for a beauty."

Gao Hui's words were quite sarcastic; she never imagined that one day she would be on equal footing with an ordinary woman, becoming a wife of equal status.

"Huihui, I am a sentimental person. I met Pan'er in Qiantang. It wasn't long, but we had feelings for each other. You can miss out on anything in this world, but you can't miss out on people."

Su Li walked over and took her hand, meeting her gaze, and said in a deep voice, "I can stand against my family for him, and I can do anything for you."

Gao Hui bit her lower lip and nodded silently: "It's good that my husband remembers me. Although my father was angry, he also praised your actions highly, saying... you are a true man!"

Speaking of Gao Hu, this cunning and scheming old man, Su Li still doesn't know about his relationship with Zhao Pan'er. In the original drama, they seem to be family, but it doesn't go into details about the nature of their relationship.

"My father-in-law has a really good eye for people," Su Li chuckled twice.

Gao Hui, confused, asked, "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

"No, Huihui, I won't be able to see you for at least several months. What will we do during such a long time?"

Su Li's hands groped up and down, his face pressed against hers, his breath blowing through her hair like a hot wind.

"You said... how about...?"

Gao Hui was in a state of confusion, but her mind was clear. "No, I'm not married to you yet, I can't."

"It's okay, I won't let you down."

"Don't do this..."

"fine!"

It was obviously fake; in the end, she was still deceived by Su Li...

When Gao Hui woke up, she hugged Su Li and cried, "You lied to me, you lied to me."

"I just couldn't help myself, Huihui, don't worry, I will definitely marry you. If I break this vow, may I be struck by lightning."

Su Li's words made Gao Hui feel much better. A solemn oath is not something to be taken lightly. There are gods watching over us, and superstition exists from time to time, not just in ancient times.

"Su Lang, you have not let me down. I am willing to spend the rest of my life with you."

Gao Hui lay in the man's arms, closed her beautiful eyes, and whispered.

"I will not let you down." Su Li lowered her head and said, "I didn't see you clearly last night. It's still early, let me take another look."

Gao Hui glanced at the bright sunshine outside the window, where birds occasionally flew by, and she said with great embarrassment, "No, no, it's so embarrassing in broad daylight."

"What's there to be afraid of if no one comes? I'll just take a look."

After fooling around with this rich young lady for several days, Su Li finally set off for Sangtian County. Accompanying her were Zhao Pan'er, Song Yinzhang, and Sun Sanniang, while Zhang Haohao, Ge Zhaodi, Shui Ning, and Yinping secretly followed behind.

Gao Hui also rode in the carriage to see him off for a while, but unfortunately, men and women are different and they could not meet face to face.

For the next period of time, the people of Zuli lived in Sangtian County. In order to get promoted, he reclaimed wasteland and fertile fields, built waterwheels and curved plows according to local conditions, and invented brick kilns to smelt porcelain based on local conditions.

In just eight months, Sangtian County underwent a dramatic transformation, not because Zuli was particularly capable, but because the area was already quite corrupt.

The Song Dynasty was indeed wealthy, and Bianjing (Kaifeng) was indeed prosperous, but that was because the whole country supported it. In reality, there were countless places where ordinary people couldn't even get enough to eat, and there were many instances of excessive oppression. Otherwise, why would there be a book like "Water Margin"? The Song Dynasty was the dynasty with the most peasant uprisings.

He was capable and had connections above him. After about a year and a half, he was transferred to be the magistrate of another county, and six months later he was appointed the prefect of Mingzhou.

At the end of that year, Zhao Pan'er finally received the title of Lady of the Court and was given a phoenix coronet and wedding gown. Preparations for their wedding began.

Su Li is the son of the Duke of Ningguo, and now he is trusted by the emperor, so his marriage is naturally a big deal. On the day of the wedding, there are more than a hundred ceremonial guards, and the streets are filled with ceremonial masters. The joyous sounds are everywhere, and the procession to marry the bride can not be seen.

Although Zhao Pan'er was alone, she could not possibly be wronged.

The wedding ceremony was pretty much the same as usual, and Su Li was quite familiar with it. After a round of toasts, it was late at night when he came to the bridal chamber alone, dismissed the maids, and slowly walked to the slender woman in the candlelight.

The woman, wearing a phoenix crown and a beautiful face, looked at him shyly and softly as she removed her red veil and wore a wedding robe.

"Su Lang..."

"My wife, it's getting late. Let's finish our nuptial wine and go to sleep."

The two years they had spent together had built a strong bond, so there was no need for further words. After exchanging toasts, Su Li went to greet her.

……

Several days passed quickly before Zhao Pan'er's wedding took place. The two had been inseparable during this time, mainly because Su Li was constantly pestering her, which had been quite a hassle for Zhao Pan'er.

Finally, he made an excuse to inspect the Zhao family teahouse in Sangtian County and quietly slipped away.

Su Li did this intentionally. Next, he will marry Gao Hui and take concubines such as Zhang Haohao and Song Yinzhang... Zhao Pan'er will definitely be jealous.

Then he can use her being unwell as an excuse to let them in.

While enjoying his happy life, Su Li did not forget his work. To him, being an official was like playing a game, constantly accumulating reputation and connections, and eventually getting into the central government.

In the years that followed, he indeed did just that. His reputation for competence spread throughout the north and south. While it might be an exaggeration to say that he governed every place he went to with extravagance and wealth, he certainly ensured that everyone had enough to eat.

Su Li was not the kind of angry young man. He knew how to build good relationships with local tycoons and officials to share the spoils. His network of connections was extremely formidable. A year later, he was promoted to Prefect of Mingzhou, which was roughly equivalent to a fifth-rank official.

At the same time, he also married Gao Hui. Zhao Pan'er was indeed a little dissatisfied, but it was normal to have multiple wives and concubines in ancient times. Besides, the two had a good relationship and she was pregnant, so she had no choice but to accept it.

But she never expected that a concubine would enter the house in the days to come, and it was none other than her good sister.

But by then she was already a mother of two, and had completely resigned herself to her fate. Besides, Su Li was paying more and more grain taxes every day, so she let him be.

Zhang Haohao and Song Yinzhang entered the house one by one. By the time Sun Sanniang entered, Su Li had already returned from the countryside to Tokyo to take up his post at the Imperial Academy, where he enjoyed great prestige.

He was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), and the Qingliu faction did not exclude him. He was also a person of noble birth and had extensive connections. He could almost easily obtain the position of prime minister, and his power was already established.

Su Li felt that he had to become a prime minister who served three dynasties, so as to leave a blessing for future generations.

As for his plan to usurp the throne, he no longer intends to do so. He left behind the military equipment and passed it on to his children. The art of slaying dragons could be written into several books. No matter how corrupt the Northern Song Dynasty in this world is, it is still much better than the original history.

In the blink of an eye, decades have passed. Su Li has become the Prime Minister Su, whose students are all over the world. Various memories surfaced in his mind. Sitting under the old locust tree, he whispered:

"A grand dream spanning a thousand autumns, is it a leaf or a cicada?"

……

"Well, it's alright. I'm back to my peak. Youth is truly wonderful!"

Su Li glanced at the reward: 1 free attribute point and 2 cubic meters of space.

He was used to such low numbers; he would just keep focusing on boosting his morale...

Name: Su Li

【Spirit】: 16

[Muscle]: 10

[Skeletal Structure]: 10

[Space]: 23 cubic meters

As her mental energy increased again, the memories of her past life in Su Li's mind would not become a burden as long as she did not dwell on them.

As usual, I'll have about a week off, so I'll get some sleep first...