Chapter Text
Meng Yao
Now that the war against the Wens is over and the four other great sects emerged victorious, the Nie disciples returned to the Unclean Realm to rebuild and prepare for the winter.
Meng Yao tries his best to keep up training with the other disciples. But unfortunately, his core is weak, and the cold causes him to tremble and shiver and be even more useless than usual. He only is allowed to join the training if he stays in the very back and disturbs none of the other disciples.
Meng Yao joined the Nie forces last summer but is a disciple only in name. During the war, the Nie sect hasn’t been picky when accepting new recruits. But even in times of war, Meng Yao never was involved in combat. Instead, he served the other disciples and saw to all sorts of different tasks around the camp.
Back in the Unclean Realm and without the distraction of the war, Meng Yao is even less accepted among the other men. A Nie Captain, who is leading Meng Yao’s unit, hates him the most. Every day he finds reasons to humiliate Meng Yao and push him around. On good days Meng Yao gets only spit at, and on worse days, the Captain has him beaten for imaginary infractions. Keeping his head down doesn’t work, neither does being deferential and polite. There is no pleasing the Captain.
After the afternoon training is over, Meng Yao hastily begins to clean the yard. The armor and the training equipment need to be picked up, and the ground must be swept until no traces of the training are left. He works as quickly as he can. The air is cold enough for Meng Yao to see his breath, and his hands are numb.
When Meng Yao hears steps behind him, he knows it’s the Captain before he even turns around. He knows that he’s in trouble. He didn’t do anything wrong, but the Captain has been in a bad mood all day. Meng Yao knew all along this would be a bad day, and a beating was waiting for him.
“Not done yet?” the Captain bellows through the yard.
Meng Yao flinches. It isn’t fair. The training is only just over, and he couldn’t possibly be done by now.
“This one apologizes, Captain. I will hurry now and work harder,” Meng Yao says in his most persuasive tone and bows deep. A bit deeper than the Captain’s position would require.
The Captain spits on the ground and glares at him. “No golden core, and he can’t even clean.” He sneers. “Tell me, Meng Yao, why do we keep you around? What good does it the Nie sect to feed you our rice and provide you with hard-earned coal?” The Captain asks and sounds more aggressive than ever. Something must have happened to anger him like this, and now Meng Yao will pay the price.
“Like I thought. No answer. That’s because there is no reason!” The Captain steps closer to him.
Meng Yao meekly looks at the ground and desperately tries to figure out how to act to appease the angry Captain. He wishes he could force himself to stop trembling in fear.
“Scum like you dirtied our halls for long enough. It’s time you leave the Unclean Realm,” the captain says, hatred seeping through his tone as he grabs Meng Yao by the collar and starts dragging him towards the gate.
Meng Yao begins to panic. There is no way the Captain means to throw him out like this . Meng Yao wouldn’t survive the night. Surely the Captain wants him to grovel and beg. He must only want to scare him a bit.
“This Meng Yao is begging you, Captain. It is like Captain said. This one is weak and has a weak core. How could I survive the night? I will work harder. Please…” Meng Yao pleads, but the breath is knocked out of him as the Captain forces him out of the gate with a hard kick.
This can’t be it . This can’t be how he dies .
Meng Yao hastily kneels down and presses his forehead against the icy ground. Fear and desperation make his eyes water. “Please captain,” he sobs. “Please, this one learned his lesson. I will gladly take any punishment! I will leave by myself first thing tomorrow! I won’t even eat tonight,” he pleads frantically.
“Spare me your pathetic whining!” The Captain looks at him with deep disdain. “Why would I let you stay the night if you cannot pay for the bed?” With a cruel grin, the Captain spits at the ground again. “Well, maybe the men would like to entertain themselves with a whore tonight,” the Captain says coldly, and Meng Yao feels like he can’t breathe. “Do you think that would improve your chances of survival?”
Meng Yao doesn’t know. And he doesn’t know what he should do now. He doesn’t even want to think of it. It isn’t fair that he is reduced to this after all his hard work. But he doesn’t want to die.
“What’s going on here?”
Meng Yao’s head snaps up at the new voice. It is the Second Young Master, Nie Huaisang, the Sect Leader’s younger brother.
Ashamed to be in this pitiful state, Meng Yao bows from his position on the ground and discreetly uses his sleeves to wipe his wet cheeks. Will Second Young Master help him?
“Nothing to concern yourself with, Second Young Master,” the Captain’s bow is shallow, and his tone is dismissive.
Perfect! If the Captain offends the Second Young Master, maybe he will help Meng Yao just to spite the Captain.
“You have no need for Meng Yao?” Second Young Master asks the Captain.
Meng Yao feels his insides twist in fear. If powerful people know your name, it seldom is good news.
“Well, not as a disciple,” the Captain scoffs and fixates Meng Yao with evil eyes.
Second Young Master snaps his fan shut with a sharp click. “Good. If you don’t need him, he is with me now.”
Meng Yao doesn’t waste any time. He is on his feet in an instant and hurries to scurry behind Second Young Master. He has no idea what the Clan Leader’s brother could possibly want with him, but it doesn’t matter. It is his chance to escape certain death, and he has no choice but to obey anyway.
“Second Young Master,” the Captain starts to object, sounding like he can barely contain his anger. “Meng Yao is a disciple under my command, and —”
“ No , he isn’t,” Second Young Master interrupts him. “You dismissed him. You kicked him out . And now he is with me ,” Nie Huaisang explains in a demonstratively patient tone.
Meng Yao shudders when he sees the color of the Captain’s face. Doubtlessly he will take this out on Meng Yao. The Captain can’t refuse to obey Second Young Master, and Meng Yao is witnessing his humiliation. There will be hell to pay later.
“Have a good evening!” Second Young Master carelessly waves his fan at the Captain in obvious dismissal.
“Come with me, Meng Yao.” Second Young Master winks at him, and Meng Yao wonders with growing dread what will await him now.
Shortly after, he stands in Second Young Master’s rooms and looks around in awe. It’s the first time that he is in the private room of a young master from a wealthy clan, and Meng Yao isn’t prepared for the number of treasures carelessly scattered all over the place. The teacup that stands precariously close to the edge of a desk looks like it is easily worth more than all of Meng Yao’s possessions. Carefully, he pushes the cup away from the edge.
Meng Yao isn’t sure why Second Young Master took him into his rooms, but at least it is warm there. A fireplace radiates warmth, and Meng Yao carefully moves closer to the heat source. Second Young Master has stepped over to his closet and is now rummaging through his clothes.
Meng Yao stands directly next to the warm brazier and even dares to warm up his frozen hands. The winters in Qinghe are much colder than what Meng Yao is used to, and kneeling on the frozen ground didn’t help. Surely Second Young Master will get bored of him soon, and he will have to retreat to the freezing cold barracks, where his bed is furthest from the fireplace. But until then, he means to make the most of this opportunity to warm up. Meng Yao tries not to think about the Captain and how he will punish him when he catches Meng Yao alone.
Second Young Master saved him from the Captain for now . But Meng Yao isn’t sure what to make of this situation. Nie Huaisang told the Captain that Meng Yao was with him. But Meng Yao isn’t sure what this means and what kind of work Second Young Master will have for him. The Nie clan has enough servants, and there isn’t much else Meng Yao can do. It doesn’t really matter. Second Young Master is foolish, whimsical, and bound to get bored with Meng Yao’s company very soon. But at least Nie Huaisang doesn’t appear as cruel as the Captain, and most likely, he won’t kick Meng Yao out in the evening when there isn’t enough time to reach the nearest town before nightfall.
“Lose the outer robes, A-Yao,” Second Young Master commands, and Meng Yao freezes.
Why does Second Young Master want him to undress? Maybe he will be punished. But Second Young Master doesn’t seem angry. Calling him A-Yao ? Some people refer to their servants with such intimacy, but Second Young Master barely knows him.
It doesn’t matter . Meng Yao has no choice but to obey. Hesitantly, he unties his sash and strips out of his outer robes.
Second Young Master looks at him skeptically. “You are nearly my height but slimmer around the shoulders,” he says.
“Yes, Second Young Master,” Meng Yao says, confused, after an uncomfortable moment when Second Young Master seems to wait for his reply.
“A-Yao! You will need warmer clothes. Come here, come here. Try something on,” Second Young Master is gesturing for him to come and join him in front of his closet.
He obeys, even though he has no intention of wearing the Second Young Master’s robes if this can be avoided. That would be asking for trouble. The other men would accuse him of trying to rise above his place. No one would believe that Second Young Master gave Meng Yao those robes without some sort of payment.
Or maybe there will be a payment.
“There is no need for this, Second Young Master. This Meng Yao would never dare to wear such fine robes,” he points out.
Nie Huaisang frowns at him. “You were shivering! Of course, there’s a need for warm clothes. Qinghe winters are no joke, and it will get even colder than it is now,” Second Young Master says. “And you can wear finer robes now. In fact, you will have to! You will be my assistant, so obviously, you must look a bit more presentable.” Second Young Master pulls out a lined outer robe with an ice crystal pattern. “What do you say? I’m sure it will fit perfectly.” He holds the robes up against Meng Yao’s frame.
What is Second Young Master talking about? His assistant?
Meng Yao doesn’t know what to say. He absolutely cannot wear such robes. They are obviously more valuable than all of Meng Yao’s meager wardrobe combined and not meant for a servant. Maybe it would indeed be different if he really were Nie Huaisang’s assistant. But Second Young Master isn’t even involved in any sect business as far as Meng Yao is aware. So there is no way he is allowed to appoint assistants.
Meng Yao bows politely. He doesn’t want to anger Nie Huaisang. “This Meng Yao thanks Second Young Master for his most generous offer, but Meng Yao must decline.” He bows again.
When he gathers enough courage to look up again, he is relieved to find that, at least, Nie Huaisang doesn’t look angry.
“You cannot decline. You are my assistant, and I say you must wear warm clothes — preferably nice-looking robes.” Nie Huaisang says sulkily. “But of course, I know that there are different preferences, and I wouldn’t dream of pressuring you into wearing robes in a color that is not agreeable to your taste,” Nie Huaisang promises with great sincerity. “Of course, I’ll offer advice, though. I have a keen eye for these things, trust me, A-Yao,” Second Young Master tells him in a conspiratorial voice.
The color of the robes is hardly the issue here. But Meng Yao cannot disagree with Second Young Master. Meng Yao might not really be his assistant, but he is Second Young Master’s subordinate.
“If Second Young Master insists,” after briefly hesitating, he surrenders.
Meng Yao peeks into the closet and tries to decide which of those robes is the most unobtrusive. Second Young Master prefers flamboyant fashion, and finding a plain-looking robe appears impossible.
Eventually, Meng Yao decides to take a closer look at a light gray robe with a simple pattern.
“A-Yao! What do you want with these old robes? I don’t even wear those for my dreadful saber lessons!” Second Young Master objects to his choice.
Perfect. If Second Young Master doesn’t wear those robes, no one would recognize them as his and give Meng Yao a hard time.
“Second Young Master promised not to object in matters of preference,” Meng Yao reminds the Nie heir. Even the gray robes are way too fine for him. He really can’t choose anything more valuable.
“Nonsense! If you can look me in the eye and tell me that those are the clothes you really like —” Nie Huaisang begins to argue, but Meng Yao doesn’t want to have this discussion.
“This Meng Yao likes those robes, Second Young Master,” Meng Yao interrupts, looking into Nie Huaisang's eyes as requested
He doesn’t understand why Nie Huaisang takes an interest in him, and he isn’t sure he likes it. Meng Yao definitely can look him in the eye and say he genuinely likes these robes. He likes them well enough. They look warm, and that is everything he wants from clothing anyway. He shouldn’t interrupt his betters like this, but by now, Meng Yao is reasonably sure that Second Young Master doesn’t care about formality at all.
Nie Huaisang doesn’t look convinced. He takes the robes from Meng Yao’s hands to scrutinize them, then puts them in the back of the closet again.
Meng Yao starts to get frustrated but suppresses it as much as he can. Second Young Master saved his life, so what is a bit of humiliation compared to that.
“Maybe you like them, but there is no way you like those old robes better than the alternatives. Look at this blue silk, A-Yao. I bought it in Caiyi Town.” Nie Huaisang shows Meng Yao clothes made from an expensive-looking fabric. “You will look extremely dashing,” Second Young Master says and smiles at him.
Meng Yao cannot decide if Nie Huaisang is mocking him or if the naive boy genuinely thinks Meng Yao can just wear those clothes.
Even without a response from his victim, Nie Huaisang puts the silky robes on a nearby bench and begins to search his closet again. “The dark blue of the outer robes will go very well with this lighter blue,” Nie Huaisang says as he pulls out another pair of robes that are meant to be worn above one’s inner robes but under the outer layer. He seems enthusiastic about this, and Meng Yao feels scared. That much attention on him will only lead to disaster.
“Don’t look like this, A-Yao! Here, look,” Nie Huaisang pulls out the plain gray robes again. “I will give you those as well. Happy?”
Meng Yao is not happy. But, of course, he must pretend to be grateful. “Second Young Master Nie is too generous. But please understand that this servant cannot be seen in such expensive robes,” he tries again.
“Why not? The blue robes were a favorite of mine, but now they are a bit too tight around the shoulders. It would be a shame to see them go to waste!” Nie Huaisang whines and Meng Yao realizes he won’t have a choice.
“And besides, who would dare to bully you if you wear my robes?” Nie Huaisang adds.
Meng Yao sighs. Everyone would dare to bully him, especially if he wore Second Young Master’s clothing. The higher someone like Meng Yao rises, the more people want to see him fall.
“Second Young Master—” he starts, but Nie Huaisang interrupts.
“Will you please finally stop with this, A-Yao? Why can’t you call me Nie-xiong? Or Huaisang?” Nie Huaisang demands to know.
The answer to this should be obvious. Meng Yao cannot address the second heir of the Qinghe Nie without due formality and deference. It would be outrageously rude and not at all appropriate.
“This Meng Yao could never dare to be so informal, Second Young Master,” he tries to explain, without much hope that Nie Huaisang will let it go.
And, of course, Nie Huaisang doesn’t let it go. “I think one should have a more intimate relationship with one’s assistant. Maybe you could call me A-Sang.” Nie Huaisang suggests.
He must be teasing. Meng Yao won’t do any such thing.
“Nie Huaisang,” Meng Yao says weakly. This is as informal as he is willing to get. And obviously, only in private.
“Better. That will do for now, I guess. Until we get to know each other better,” Nie Huaisang chirps happily. “Now, back to the matter at hand. Undress and try on those blue robes. They will look splendid on you. You will see!”
Meng Yao squirms with unease. Second Young Master cannot seriously mean for Meng Yao to completely undress here in plain sight. He feels heat rising to his cheeks. He can’t strip out of his inner robes in front of the second Nie heir. That would be way too shameful. It is bad enough that he already stands here without his outer robes.
“Aiya, no need to be so shy, A-Yao! I’ll just turn around.” Nie Huaisang says and turns his back to Meng Yao. “It’s not like you’ll be naked anyway, so it’s not a huge deal,” Nie Huaisang complains.
Meng Yao disagrees. Undressing in the Nie heir’s private rooms to try on his stunningly expensive robes is very much a huge deal. Way too huge, in Meng Yao’s humble opinion. He hesitates. He doesn’t want to change into Nie Huaisang’s robes. Instead, he wishes he could just disappear. But then he remembers how cold it is outside and how freezing the barracks are, and Meng Yao’s resistance melts. It would be nice to have warmer robes against the cold.
Meng Yao nervously glances at Nie Huaisang’s back, then hastily undresses. For a moment, he contemplates ignoring the blue robes in favor of the gray ones. But it would be unwise to irritate Nie Huaisang like that. So Meng Yao carefully puts on the light blue inner robes and then picks up the darker blue clothes. The silk feels smooth and delicate in his hands, and the inside is lined with soft fur. He marvels at the exquisite material.
Before Meng Yao adjusts his last layer of clothing, Nie Huaisang spins around to take a look at him. “Just as perfect as I thought,” he exclaims. “Well, maybe it is a bit too big on you, but not by much. You might want to consider eating more,” Nie Huaisang advises while plucking at the fabric of the robes. “But the color looks perfect on you. How do you like it?” He fixes Meng Yao’s sash, and Meng Yao just lets him do it. Arguing with Second Young Master feels a bit pointless.
“This Meng Yao thanks the Second—,” Meng Yao starts, but Nie Huaisang looks like he is about to object. So he begins anew. “This Meng Yao thanks Nie Huaisang for his generous loan.” He bows deep, unsure if the robes are meant as a gift or if Nie Huaisang will want them back. It seems safer to assume the latter.
“What loan? Those robes are not a loan or a gift. I mean, I would absolutely gift them to you anyway. But in this case, they are payment.” Nie Huaisang has the decency to look uncomfortable. “I know I said you could be my assistant, but I meant more of the unofficial, unpaid kind.”
Well, Meng Yao is familiar with this kind of position. It is the position of a debtor who will never be able to work off their debt. If you owe someone your life, how can it be paid off? His mother and the other women were in a position like this. Meng Yao doesn’t even feel bitter. It doesn’t matter anyway. His hope for a better life ended the day Father kicked him down all those damned stairs.
“It’s not like I’m unwilling to pay you real money, A-Yao. I promise that I will when I can. But Da-ge cannot know about this, and my allowance is limited,” Nie Huaisang tells him.
This doesn’t sound good at all. Why can’t the Clan Leader not know of this?
“The Clan Leader cannot know?” Meng Yao asks, and his mouth feels dry with fear.
“Yes, don’t worry about it.” Nie Huaisang tries to pacify Meng Yao.
It doesn’t work. Meng Yao can feel his panic rising. He cannot possibly do something that the Clan Leader would not condone. But he cannot disobey Second Young Master either. He owes him his life. Without him, Meng Yao most likely would have frozen to death by now. It is an impossible situation he’s in. Meng Yao doesn’t want to get his head chopped off with the Clan Leader’s terrifying saber.
“Don’t look like this, A-Yao! It’s not like we are doing anything terrible. I just need you to help with my schoolwork a bit. But if you’d feel better, we can tell Da-ge an improved version of the truth. If he comes snooping around, we say you work for me, but we won’t tell him any details. Alright?” Nie Huiasang offers as if this would solve Meng Yao’s predicament.
The Clan Leader is going to kill him.
“Nie Huaisang, the Clan Leader, will be terribly angry if he finds out. This Meng Yao is begging you. I don’t want to be executed!” he pleads.
“Da-ge wouldn’t kill you . He might kill me . You are not going to be blamed,” Nie Huaisang says, but Meng Yao doesn’t buy it. “Da-ge blames me for everything . Even if I’m innocent. So he would definitely blame me for this as well,” Nie Huaisang argues.
Meng Yao doesn’t believe this for one second. Everyone knows how lenient the Clan Leader is with his younger brother. Nie Huaisang failed the Lan lectures twice and lived to tell the tale. But Nie Mingjue isn’t known for his leniency towards anyone else.
Meng Yao nervously fidgets with the sleeves of the robes he’s wearing. They are slightly too long for him. How did he end up like this? He tries to figure out how the day went so wrong. When he got up in the morning, his only problem was the cold, and now he is about to commit treason against the Sect Leader. Well, not quite treason, maybe. But if - when - they get found out, Meng Yao is going to get whipped, at least, if the Clan Leader is feeling merciful and chopped into pieces if not.
“Don’t look like this, A-Yao. You’ll see, being my assistant is fun !” Nie Huaisang exclaims.
Meng Yao silently disagrees.
“Here, let me show you my school books. You will have to copy a chapter of this one,” Nie Huaisang says as he carries over a small stack of books. “You will enjoy it. I saw how you looked at our library.”
Upon seeing the books, most of Meng Yao’s concerns disappear. He is even willing to ignore the fact that Nie Huaisang evidently had an eye on him for a while now if he saw him looking at the library. But it is true; Meng Yao yearns to be able to study. And he cannot disobey Second Young Master anyway. So he might as well enjoy this while it lasts and regret it later.
“Of course, this one will take care of Second Young Master’s schoolwork most diligently,” Meng Yao agrees and eagerly reaches for the books. Too eagerly, judging by the look in Nie Huaisang’s eyes.
“I knew you’d come around,” Nie Huaisang cheers. “The schoolmaster wants me to copy the first chapter of this book. It is terribly boring, and I don’t want to. What’s the point in copying if you read it already? But it is new for you, so maybe it won’t be dreadfully tedious.” Nie Huaisang sounds nearly apologetic. But being given access to those books is the best thing that happened to Meng Yao in a long time.
There is just one issue. “Won’t your teacher be able to tell your calligraphy from mine? I’m afraid my hand isn’t at all as refined as the Second Young Master’s,” he admits. Nie Huaisang had years of schooling behind him and is evidently artistically talented. Meng Yao’s knowledge of characters is good due to his excellent memory. But he never got much practice in improving his calligraphy.
“Don’t be so modest, A-Yao! I saw your writing before, and I’m sure you are quite able to make your calligraphy look like mine,” Nie Huaisang dismisses Meng Yao’s objections.
Where did Nie Huaisang see his writing? He begins to realize that his position as Nie Huaisang’s assistant was neither a coincidence nor was it a spontaneous decision.
“So Nie Huaisang planned to make this one his assistant for quite a while,” Meng Yao notes. Did Second Young Master wait for an opportunity when Meng Yao was at his lowest to spring this on him? This thought hurts way more than it should. It doesn’t matter. He wouldn’t have been able to refuse Second Young Master anyway.
Nie Huaisang seems to read Meng Yao’s thoughts on his face. “Oh, no, no, no, you misunderstand! A-Yao, I would never !” Nie Huaisang whines and reaches for Meng Yao’s hands. “I didn’t wait for such a misfortune to ask you. In fact, it caught me by surprise and rushed my plans. I meant to woo you into agreeing! So you wouldn’t be able to say no to me because you understood how much you like me and how much I need your help,” Nie Huaisang says shamelessly. “Don’t make me regret telling you this, A-Yao, but obviously, you can still say no. And keep my robes. But you won’t, right? Because you wouldn’t want me to suffer the schoolmaster’s rage if I didn’t copy this chapter,” Nie Huaisang pleads, and Meng Yao can’t help but laugh.
“This one will be Nie Huaisang’s devoted servant and assistant,” he bows politely. Nie Huaisang is a spoilt brat, but Meng Yao can’t deny he likes how he treats him. Meng Yao isn’t used to being shown so much decency and kindness.
“How about you will be my friend and assistant,” Nie Huaisang suggests.
He must be lonely in the Unclean Realm if he wants to befriend Meng Yao.
Meng Yao smiles and bows again, but he promises nothing. Being too friendly with Second Young Master wouldn’t be proper.
Meng Yao hesitantly kneels down by the desk and opens the book Nie Huaisang needs him to copy. He really doesn’t want to do this in the cold barracks where he can be caught by the captain, and he needs to use Nie Huaisang’s ink and brush anyway. Meng Yao’s own writing utensils are pitiful.
“May I stay here to see to your homework?” Meng Yao asks, dropping some of the formality in his speech.
As anticipated, Nie Huaisang seems pleased.
“Sure! Perfect! You won’t regret this, A-Yao!” Nie Huaisang exclaims.
Meng Yao silently disagrees. Most likely, he will come to regret this, but he is willing to ignore this in favor of reading those books.
Nie Huaisang rummages through the clutter of his desk and pulls out his inkstone and brush. He even starts to grind the ink for Meng Yao as if he was the assistant and not the other way around.
“There is no need for this. You don’t have to concern yourself with this. I can do it myself,” Meng Yao tells him nervously. Seeing Second Young Master assisting him makes Meng Yao feel terribly uncomfortable.
“Don’t worry about it.” Nie Huaisang dismisses his worries. “Tell me, A-Yao, how many mistakes do you usually make while copying?” Nie Huaisang wants to know.
Meng Yao feels nearly insulted by the question. Who makes mistakes in copying? But he figures it is fair enough. After all, Nie Huaisang knows how uneducated Meng Yao is.
“Meng Yao won’t make any mistakes, I assure you,” he insists earnestly.
But Nie Huaisang doesn’t look pleased. “Yes, that’s what I’m afraid of! No mistakes won’t do! I make plenty of mistakes every time I have to copy those boring texts. Teacher knows this, of course, and if this is done perfectly, he will feel suspicious.” Nie Huaisang clarifies, and Meng Yao blushes bright red.
He didn’t mean to offend Nie Huaisang by implying that he was better than him. But Nie Huaisang doesn’t seem offended. He retrieves a scroll from somewhere on his desk and hands it to Meng Yao. It clearly is some old homework, where Nie Huaisang’s teacher marked his mistakes and left angry notes.
“This is the usual quality of my work. We aim for something slightly better now. Good enough to not earn me strikes with the schoolmaster’s ruler or get me reported to Da-ge, but still bad enough to be believable,” Nie Huaisang specifies.
Meng Yao studies Nie Huaisang’s old homework. The quality of his writing is abysmal. How is it even possible to make this many mistakes when all you need to do is copy? He makes sure his shock isn’t reflected on his face. "I understand," he assures Nie Huaisang.
Meng Yao shifts his focus back to the book that he needs to copy from. It is a text about the history of the great sects, and he is engaged immediately. His knowledge of history is limited to the stories everyone knows about wars and great warriors. And those stories mainly focused on the Jin and the Jiang sect.
Even if Meng Yao will surely regret this foolishness soon, right now, he cannot bring himself to feel worried. He is warm and comfortable and gets to learn knowledge that would otherwise be inaccessible to him. He doesn’t even have to worry about being bullied while he is in Second Young Master’s rooms. Meng Yao starts his task with more enthusiasm than he felt in a long time.