maidservant

Chapter 36: Yan Lie Returns to Beijing and Meets His Old Friend Li Mao, But He Has No Way to Become an Official

At this time, he was in rags, and his worn clothes could not hide the vicissitudes of life.

On his arms, healed scars crisscrossed each other, as if silently telling the story of the past that was too painful to recall.

With a glimmer of hope, Yan Lie began to look for those people who had served as officials in the capital in the past and had close contacts with the Yan family.

He first came to Lord Zhang's house.

Lord Zhang had once been on close terms with his father, and Yan Lie believed that based on their past friendship, he would definitely be able to meet Lord Zhang.

But after looking him up and down, the doorman replied coldly: "Master Zhang is very busy today and has no time to see guests." His eyes were full of disdain and disgust.

He went to Lord Zheng's house again. This time, Lord Zheng did meet him. But as soon as he sat down, he said something veiled in his words:

"Master Yan, the world is different now than it was in the past. Everyone has their own difficulties."

Before he could finish his words, a servant came to report that there was an important matter to discuss. He gave him a set of clothes and a bag of silver, and Yan Lie was hurriedly "asked" to leave the house.

Yan Lie gritted his teeth and put on new clothes in silence. The moment he stepped out of the mansion, he raised his hand and threw the silver coins directly to the gatekeeper, then strode away without looking back.

After making inquiries from many sources, someone informed me that Yan Zhen's husband's family, the Zheng family, had been demoted, but their lives were safe and sound for the time being.

But regarding Yan Yu, we hear a different, sad story. It's said that after being divorced by the Tang family, her life fell into despair, and now she has passed away.

The successive setbacks, combined with the accumulation of these news, were like heavy hammers hitting Yan Lie's heart.

He stood on the bustling yet cold streets of the capital, watching the people coming and going, his heart filled with desolation. His family's former glory had vanished like a cloud, and now, he was desperate. In this familiar place, he could not find a trace of warmth or support.

"Haha, the world is flourishing and full of flowers, but it's not spring when I come!"

He uttered a sad voice, and stood on the bustling street with his eyes closed, as if separated from this world.

This sentiment caught someone's attention.

"Brother, is there anything bothering you?" Suddenly, a voice came from behind.

Yan Lie slowly opened his eyes and turned around to see a young man dressed in extremely gorgeous and noble clothes.

Yan Lie thought to himself, this must be a child from an aristocratic family. He lowered his head slightly, a wry smile on his face, but he didn't answer.

In this prosperous capital city, how could he freely confide in others the vicissitudes and helplessness in his heart?

Seeing Yan Lie remain silent, Li Mao raised his eyebrows slightly and spoke again: "Brother, nine out of ten things in this world are not what you want to see. Why not be like me and be more open-minded?"

After hearing this, Yan Lie looked at the young master Li Mao in front of him seriously.

He had an extremely handsome appearance, and although he had the casual and uninhibited air of a dandy, if you looked closely, you could see a hint of scholarly spirit hidden between his eyebrows.

Yan Lie pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Brother, you possess a remarkable bearing. You must be the son of some newly rich family. I am but an ordinary commoner, and it is already difficult to survive in this world. You are in the clouds, while I am in the mire. We are not on the same path."

His words were filled with helplessness and regret, as if he was expressing his regret for being born at the wrong time. The voice drifted away in the wind, carrying a hint of loneliness. "I'm not a nobleman at all. I'm just a businessman with a few silver coins." Li Mao said, putting his arm around Yan Lie's shoulder and speaking enthusiastically:

"It's no use being sad here alone, brother. Why don't you come with me for a few drinks? It would be wonderful to pour out all your unhappiness!"

That night, the two of them drank and chatted in the tavern, getting drunk.

During the meal, Yan Lie asked, "Brother Li, are you also having great ambitions but finding it difficult to achieve them?"

"Recently, my fellow literati in Beijing have been discussing the new emperor's accession to the throne and the opening of the special examination. All this has nothing to do with me."

Li Mao picked up a wine jug, stood up gracefully, and turned around with light steps:
"I am but the son of a merchant. Although I have high aspirations and ambitions, I have encountered obstacles at every turn and have no chance of entering the government."

They talked about their past and thoughts to each other without reservation, from their childhood dreams to their current situations, and the more they talked, the more they got along.

Before we knew it, we had become close friends who understood and appreciated each other, as close as old friends who had known each other for many years.

"Sing loudly when you win and stop when you lose. Love and hate are both fleeting. Drink today if you have wine today, worry about tomorrow’s trouble tomorrow——"

The next day, Li Mao threw a sword at Yan Lie's feet.

Yan Lie looked at Li Mao with a puzzled look on his face. Li Mao smiled and spoke, looking him up and down:
"Looking at your figure and temperament, you must be a martial arts master."

"You may not have the opportunity to fully utilize your talents and abilities right now, but you shouldn't become depressed or give in to depravity. Life is a long journey, and there are always opportunities for change."

"But I——" Yan Lie was interrupted by Li Mao just as he started to speak.

"Brother Yan, if you don't have any other plans for the time being, you might consider protecting me. If we work together, maybe we can make a name for ourselves in this complicated world. What do you think?"

Yan Lie looked at the sword, examining it carefully and hesitating.

The sword is slender, with extremely smooth lines, like a lively dragon, emitting a cool luster, and it seems to have condensed a thousand years of frost, reflecting a sharp light in the sunlight, as if it can penetrate people's hearts.

The hilt is meticulously crafted from fine ebony, its texture smooth and delicate, and it sits comfortably in the hand. The scabbard is engraved with intricate patterns, each line perfectly outlined, and the inlaid gems are dazzling, complementing the blade and highlighting the sword's extraordinary and preciousness.

He finally couldn't hold back and reached out to pick up the sword.

He lightly shifted his feet, twisted his wrist slightly, and the sword unsheathed like a spirit snake. Then, he unleashed a series of beautiful sword moves, each one crisp and smooth.

The sword in his hand seemed to have life, dancing with his body, bringing up gusts of sword wind, and the sword flowers flashed, truly as majestic as a dragon swinging its tail.

That posture, that aura, was extraordinarily handsome, and every move he made was filled with amazing elegance, as if the whole world was shining under his sword.

Li Mao couldn't help but applaud and said with a smile, "I thought it would catch Brother Yan's eye. It really is a perfect match for man and sword."

Yan Lie gently put away the sword in his hand, and suppressed the emotion caused by his life experience in his eyes. He said solemnly: "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Li. However, this sword is very valuable. I really can't accept it for nothing. I have nothing now and can't afford the corresponding money."

He straightened his sleeves, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply to Li Mao:
"This sword can be considered as the money I borrowed from you to buy it. I will personally give you the money for the sword in the future. I hope Brother Li will not refuse it then." He spoke sincerely and his eyes were firm.

　Everyone~ From February 2th to February 18nd, this novel will be participating in the ranking. Please read the two newly updated chapters every day. This "reading rate" is very important to me! Thank you! ~~~
　　(End of this chapter)