The moment I opened my eyes, I found myself in the Tang Dynasty, as a minor official who would die protesting Emperor Taizong's rule.
In the Golden Hall, Li Shimin slammed down a memorial. 'Drag him away and execute him!'
Rain poured down. Burning with a fever, I forced myself to speak. 'Your Majesty, do you know the price of rice in Chang'an?'
The court officials burst into laughter. Even Wei Zheng shook his head with a sigh.
Then a palace maiden in the corner suddenly spoke up. 'Last month, a dou of rice cost fifteen wen. Yesterday, it soared to fifty.'
I immediately added, 'If we use big data analysis...'
She cut me off. 'You know about 996 too?'
The entire Taiji Palace fell silent, leaving only the sound of rain on the glazed roof tiles.
