Chapter 4: You’ve Truly Tormented Me

No one knows what sweet talk he used to trick his father into agreeing to this marriage.

Although she is a woman, Sheng Lanzhi understands clearly that no matter how deeply one studies the ways of officialdom, it is never as important as one’s own cultivation and strength. Just like her father; had he possessed the strength of a Grandmaster, he would never have been targeted to the point of being forced to resign. This is also why Sheng Lanzhi has always looked down on Ye Liufeng.

"Perhaps the master has matured internally after experiencing the tragedy of his own flesh and blood turning against him."

Xing'er has been by Sheng Lanzhi's side since childhood and understands her mistress well.

"Perhaps."

She waved her hand, not dwelling on the matter. "Or perhaps it was just a fleeting impulse. Who knows if he will give up after practicing for two days like he did before?"

Xing'er did not respond. The previous Ye Liufeng indeed had a habit of giving up just two days after receiving a new manual.

"That's enough. I'm tired; let's go back and rest."

With that, Sheng Lanzhi stood up from the courtyard, preparing to return to her room. Xing'er followed respectfully to attend to her.

***

The next day.

Ye Liuyun was sleeping soundly when a maid knocked on his door. Glancing at the sky, which had not yet brightened, he sat up helplessly. It seemed that being a member of the Imperial Guard was not as easy as it looked; he had to get up at the crack of dawn just to report for duty.

"Master, it is time to rise."

As soon as he opened the door, he saw Xing'er waiting outside. Besides being Sheng Lanzhi’s personal maid, she was in charge of managing the household's day-to-day affairs, including overseeing Ye Liuyun’s daily routine.

"I know."

He yawned, preparing to change his clothes. However, before he could move, Xing'er gestured, and maids immediately brought in water for washing and towels. Without him having to lift a finger, the maids meticulously wiped his face. The same went for changing clothes; Ye Liuyun only needed to lift his arms, and the maids would stand on tiptoe to dress him in his official uniform.

"Whoa!"

Is this the daily life of my older brother? I’m envious—truly, I’m envious.

"Is something wrong, Master?"

Noticing the unnatural look on Ye Liuyun’s face, Xing'er looked over with curiosity.

"It’s nothing. I was just thinking about some matters concerning the Imperial Guard."

Ye Liuyun replied with feigned nonchalance. At times like this, one must act natural to avoid exposing any problems. Besides, being served by so many maids—this is how a transmigrator should live. Thinking back to his former life, living in a thatched hut and struggling to survive day to day, what kind of life was that?

***

Seeing Ye Liuyun speak this way, Xing'er did not suspect anything. After he finished dressing, she led him to the front courtyard for breakfast. Even though the meal was light, the seven or eight different dishes were something Ye Liuyun had never enjoyed before his transmigration.

After eating, Ye Liuyun habitually looked around, and Xing'er, understanding, immediately produced a handkerchief and handed it to him. There was a reason she was Sheng Lanzhi’s personal maid; she was exceptionally keen at reading expressions and anticipating needs.

"Thanks."

After wiping his mouth, he returned the handkerchief to Xing'er. Some habits are ingrained in one's bones and are impossible to change overnight.

"It is only what this servant should do!"

As she spoke, Xing'er looked at Ye Liuyun with lingering curiosity. The old Ye Liufeng had never treated the maids or servants with any kindness, always maintaining an arrogant and condescending attitude, let alone offering thanks.

After finishing his meal, Ye Liuyun headed out. Xing'er watched him for a moment, clutching the handkerchief, before silently instructing the others to clear the table and preparing to attend to Sheng Lanzhi.

***

"I hope I don't have to work at this hour every single day."

Having to report to the Imperial Guard before dawn every day made Ye Liuyun feel like he was working worse than a beast of burden. Whatever. At least he had secured a stable position. Moreover, the thought of having the opportunity to acquire more talent traits within the Imperial Guard made him feel a bit excited.

He walked toward the Imperial Guard headquarters.

"Greetings, Commander!"

The guards at the gate clearly recognized Ye Liuyun and immediately offered a respectful salute.

"Hmm."

Ye Liuyun only gave a slight nod. The more he said, the more likely he was to make a mistake. In such situations, silence was the best response. However, once he stepped inside the Imperial Guard compound, he realized a problem.

*Damn it, where is my office?*

It was fine at home since his predecessor had at least been there, but he had truly never stepped foot in the Imperial Guard headquarters before. Fortunately, at that moment, a voice called out.

"Master Ye!"

The person approaching was a man in his thirties or forties with a shrewd look in his eyes. He walked over with a warm, eager expression.

***

Oh, finally, a familiar face. Ye Liuyun recognized him; this man seemed to be his brother's confidant. He had seen him a few times back at the estate. However, whenever the man had faced him before, he had worn the same look of contempt and disdain.

"Target: Si Nan!"
"Realm: Third-rate Martial Artist!"
"Talent Traits: Reading Expressions (Green), Light-footed (Blue)."

"Reading Expressions (Green): Highly skilled at observing others' facial expressions."
"Light-footed (Blue): Possesses a great talent for light-body techniques."

Yesterday, upon returning to the estate, Ye Liuyun had discovered that his system could see the talent traits of others; he had even checked Xing'er earlier. Xing'er also had the "Reading Expressions" trait, but hers was blue, whereas this Si Nan's was green.

"Master, what is wrong?"

Seeing Ye Liuyun staring at him, Si Nan looked a bit perplexed.

"Nothing. I’ve just been waiting for you to arrive."

*If you didn't show up, how would I know where my office is?*

But upon hearing this, Si Nan smiled knowingly. After checking to ensure no one was paying attention, he leaned in and whispered in Ye Liuyun's ear:

"Was the Master feeling impatient?"

"..."

*No, you idiot, don't tell me you and my brother have some sort of shady deal going on.*

"Master, please follow me."

He had a bad feeling about this. *Whatever, I'll follow him for now. If it’s really what I suspect, I’ll take him out in a heartbeat.*

***

Ye Liuyun followed Si Nan into a study; this must be where Ye Liufeng had always worked. Seeing Si Nan carefully close the door, Ye Liuyun placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, his eyes narrowing, ready to strike at any moment.

Fortunately, what followed was not what he had expected. Si Nan pulled a stack of silver banknotes from his robes and handed them to Ye Liuyun. At a glance, there were at least several hundred taels—an amount that, based on the salary of an Imperial Guard commander, would take decades to save.

"Master, your method was truly effective. The owner of that tavern in the south of the city has only one son; I merely snatched the boy, and he handed over the money obediently!"

"..."

*Good grief. He acted so righteous and upright in front of me, but he really is a piece of trash.*

Truth be told, when he took over the position of Imperial Guard commander from his brother, Ye Liuyun had actually intended to be a good person. *This has really screwed me over.*

Thinking this, Ye Liuyun calmly accepted the stack of silver banknotes.