You've Put Me Through Hell

She had no idea what sweet-talking nonsense he had used to fool her father into agreeing to this marriage.

Though she was a woman, Sheng Lanzhi understood clearly that no matter how deeply one studied the ways of officialdom, it could never compare to the importance of one's own cultivation and strength.

Take her father, for instance. If he had possessed a Grandmaster's strength, he would never have been targeted until he had no choice but to resign. That was also why Sheng Lanzhi had always looked down on Ye Liufeng.

"Perhaps Master grew after going through the ordeal of brothers turning against each other."

Xing'er had been by Sheng Lanzhi's side since childhood and understood her better than anyone.

"Perhaps!"

She waved a hand, not dwelling too much on the matter.

"Or maybe he just acted on a burst of heat. Who knows whether he'll be like before—train for two days, then give up?"

Xing'er did not respond.

The previous Ye Liufeng had indeed given up after practicing for two days whenever he got his hands on a martial arts manual.

"Enough. I'm tired. Let's go back and rest."

With that, Sheng Lanzhi rose from the courtyard and prepared to return to her room.

Xing'er attended her respectfully from the side.

The next day.

While Ye Liuyun was sleeping soundly, a maid came knocking at his door.

Glancing at the still-dark sky, Ye Liuyun sat up helplessly.

It seemed being in the Brocade Guard was not so easy either. He had to get up at the crack of dawn to report for roll call.

"Master, it's time to rise."

The moment he opened the door, he saw Xing'er waiting outside. Besides being Sheng Lanzhi's personal maid, she handled many matters, great and small, throughout the residence, including Ye Liuyun's daily needs.

"I know."

He yawned and prepared to change clothes.

But before Ye Liuyun could do anything, Xing'er beckoned, and maids immediately brought over wash water and towels.

Ye Liuyun did not need to lift a finger. The maids carefully wiped him down for him.

The same went for getting dressed. Ye Liuyun only needed to raise his arms, and the maids would stand on tiptoe to help him into his official uniform.

"Uh!"

Was this his elder brother's daily life? He envied it. He really envied it.

"What is it, Master?"

Noticing that Ye Liuyun's expression was somewhat unnatural, Xing'er looked over curiously.

"Nothing. I was just thinking about some matters concerning the Brocade Guard."

Ye Liuyun spoke in a relaxed manner. At a time like this, he had to act natural; otherwise, it would be too easy for others to notice something was wrong.

Besides, being waited on by so many maids—this was how a transmigrator ought to live.

Thinking of how he had once lived in a straw hut, never knowing if he would make it through the day... what kind of life had that been?

Seeing Ye Liuyun say so, Xing'er did not suspect anything.

Once Ye Liuyun had changed, she led him to the front courtyard for breakfast.

Though breakfast was rather light in flavor, these seven or eight dishes were still a luxury Ye Liuyun had never enjoyed before his transmigration.

After eating, Ye Liuyun habitually looked around. Xing'er immediately understood and handed him a handkerchief.

There was a reason she could become Sheng Lanzhi's personal maid. She was excellent at observing expressions and reading the room.

"Thanks!"

After wiping his mouth, he returned the handkerchief to Xing'er.

Some habits were ingrained in one's bones. They could not be changed in a short while.

"It is only this servant's duty!"

As she said this, Xing'er's gaze upon Ye Liuyun held a trace of curiosity.

The old Ye Liufeng had never shown any kindness to maids or servants. He had always acted high and mighty, much less thanked anyone.

After breakfast, Ye Liuyun headed straight out.

Xing'er remained behind, staring at the handkerchief in her hand for a moment. After a short silence, she had someone clear away the dishes and prepared to attend to Sheng Lanzhi as she rose.

"Surely I won't have to work at this hour every day, right?"

Having to report to the Brocade Guard before dawn every day, Ye Liuyun felt this was even more of a beast-of-burden life than being a beast of burden.

Forget it.

No matter what, he had at least secured an official post for now.

And thinking about how he might obtain more Talent Traits in the Brocade Guard, he could not help feeling a little excited.

As he spoke, he walked toward the Brocade Guard.

"Centurion!"

The Brocade Guard stationed outside clearly recognized Ye Liuyun and immediately addressed him respectfully.

"Mm."

Ye Liuyun merely gave a slight nod. The more he said, the more mistakes he could make.

At a time like this, saying nothing was the best way to handle things.

However.

When he entered the Brocade Guard, Ye Liuyun suddenly realized a problem.

Where the hell was my office?

Home was fine—his predecessor had at least been there before. But his predecessor truly had never come to the Brocade Guard.

Fortunately, a voice suddenly called out just then.

"Lord Ye!"

The newcomer was a shrewd-looking man in his thirties or forties.

He approached with a warm gaze.

Oh, finally, someone familiar. Ye Liuyun had seen this man before. He seemed to be one of his elder brother's trusted subordinates, and Ye Liuyun had encountered him a few times at the residence.

Yet when this man faced him, he wore the same contemptuous, disdainful expression.

Target: Si Nan!

Realm: Third-Rate Martial Artist!

Talent Traits: Observe expressions (green), Light Body (blue),

Observe expressions (green): Highly skilled at observing other people's expressions.

Light Body (blue): Possesses excellent Lightness Skill Talent.

When Ye Liuyun had returned to the residence yesterday, he had discovered that his system could also see other people's Talent Traits. He had even used it on Xing'er before.

Xing'er had the Observe expressions trait as well, but hers was blue, while Si Nan's Observe expressions was only green quality.

"What is it, my lord?"

Seeing Ye Liuyun staring at him, Si Nan found it rather strange.

"Nothing. I've been waiting for you to come."

If you didn't come, how would I know where I'm supposed to work?

But upon hearing this, Si Nan smiled knowingly. After checking that no one was paying attention nearby, he leaned close and spoke quietly into Ye Liuyun's ear.

"Have you been waiting anxiously, my lord?"

"..."

No, what the hell? Don't tell me you had some special deal with my elder brother.

"My lord, please follow me."

This did not feel like anything good. Forget it, I'll follow him first. If it really is what I think, I'll draw my blade and slash him.

Ye Liuyun followed Si Nan to a study. This should have been where Ye Liufeng had always worked.

Seeing Si Nan carefully close the door, Ye Liuyun had already placed one hand on the hilt of the blade at his waist. His eyes narrowed, as though he might strike at any moment.

Fortunately, what happened next was not what he had expected.

Si Nan took a stack of banknotes from his robe and handed them to Ye Liuyun.

At a glance, there had to be several hundred taels there. Based on a Brocade Guard Centurion's salary, one could not save that much even in decades.

"My lord's method was indeed effective. The owner of that tavern in the south of the city has only one son. This subordinate merely seized his son, and he obediently handed over the money!"

"..."

What a guy. He had acted so upright and dignified in front of me before, but sure enough, he was no good thing.

To be honest, when Ye Liuyun had taken his brother's place as a Brocade Guard Centurion, he had wanted to be a good man. You've put me through hell.

Thinking this, Ye Liuyun accepted the stack of banknotes without changing expression.

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