After a pause, Liu Siyuan continued:
"If he hadn't run into all this trouble, he would surely have entered official service long ago.
Now, whether or not he can sit the examinations without trouble, we can give him a place to put his talents to use.
I don't think Wen Yanping would refuse."
Nian Feiyue pondered for a moment, then said:
"It's worth a try."
"Very well. Then leave this matter to your subordinate."
"Very well."
A day later, Wen Yanping received an invitation from Liu Siyuan. The attendant who delivered it said that Lord Liu had invited him alone and asked that he be sure to attend.
Wen Yanping found it baffling. He had no idea why the man would invite him alone.
Still, Liu Siyuan was a fourth-rank official, so Wen Yanping could hardly refuse him outright.
The next day, Wen Yanping went to the meeting, which was to take place at a restaurant.
When Wen Yanping arrived at the restaurant, someone was already waiting for him at the entrance.
Wen Yanping was escorted all the way to the restaurant's top floor.
Apparently, someone had reserved the top floor year-round.
It seemed that person was Lord Liu-or, if not, someone closely connected to him.
Indeed, Nian Feiyue was the one who had reserved the top floor.
On seeing Wen Yanping, Liu Siyuan hurriedly rose:
"Young Master Wen, you're here.
Please, come in."
Looking at Liu Siyuan, Wen Yanping grew even more puzzled. Wasn't a fourth-rank official being a little too welcoming toward a mere provincial graduate like him?
Wen Yanping had a feeling this visit would not be so simple.
After Wen Yanping sat down, Liu Siyuan asked:
"Young Master Wen, what would you like to eat?"
"Anything is fine. Please order whatever you think best, my