The New You II

Hoa Yo was standing outside Shinwonmat looking vex. He had completely forgotten that he wanted to interrogate Nam Mu. He had focused on his own stories. Nam Mu was also to blame. His attentive face had caused Hoa Yo to keep on talking. The way his eyes grew big, when Hoa Yo described the cities and people he encountered. Those eyes had made Hoa Yo feel elated. He wanted to keep seeing the amazement in Nam Mu's eyes. He shook his head and let out a deep sigh. He really hoped that he would meet the boy again. He felt like he had found a kindred spirit. The thought that it might not be mutual never crossed his mind.

He looked back one more time before rushing back to the palace. He and the whole palace were preparing for the examinations. Compared to the previous years, this year's examinations were going to be very different. With the most obvious being that there were three separate tests. Nobody knew the reasons why there were three tests. All the inspectors were briefed separately and they all were sworn to secrecy. The whole palace was buzzing with anticipation to see what was going to unfold. Hoa Yo checked his timepiece again before hailing a rickshaw, hoping that nobody would notice that he was late.

Mule and Nam Mu were finally able to relax. “After eating we should see if we can invite anybody over.” Nam Mu had seen the others stare and he wasn’t sure about many of them. He wanted to suggest something else but nothing came to mind. “Who…” “Might I sit here?” They turned to see a disheveled looking young man standing next to their table. Mule pulled a face ready to send the man away. Nam Mu felt pity for the man. He looked so hungry. Nam Mu knew what it was like to be hungry. When he did well in school or Shu got reprimanded by the teachers, Mistress Jie would starve him for days on end. She could only do this when master Ping was away. If he was there she would whip his hands. “Please sit down.” Mule turned to stare at Nam Mu in disbelief.

“We can never finish everything. It would be a waste of food.” Mule shook his head. “We’re here to get information. This... man will make sure that nobody will sit here.” They were speaking in a low voice but the man heard everything Mule had said. “Sir, Your cavernous voice is terrible for whispering.” Mule pulled a face while Nam Mu coughed to hide his laugh. “I’m sorry for my appearance but I was a week from the capital when I was robbed of all my possessions. The crooks beat me up severely and left me for dead. I was lucky that a farmer passed by. He took me home and helped me recover. After I got better he brought me back to the capital.” Mule didn’t trust the man but Nam Mu had already pushed some dishes towards the man.

“What a horrendous tale. Sit down and eat.” The man looked like he was about to burst into tears. Mule felt some pity for him. Nam Mu pointed at the food again. “Help yourself.” Mule glared at him but didn’t stop the man. The man had taken off his shoes and was sitting in front of Nam Mu. He looked at Mule before putting the food in his mouth. “Thank you very much. Since I’ve arrived, you're the first person who has helped me.” Nam Mu gave him a smile. The man stared back. “C… Can I have your name?” The man's ears were red. Mule didn’t like it one bit. “My name is Hoa Yu.

This is Young Master Nam Mu. What should we call you?” The man could feel and hear Mule’s dislike. “Nice to meet you. My name is Wei Li Jie. I’ve never heard of you before.” Mule lifted his brow. Li Jie decided to ignore Mule. “I was born and raised in the capital.” “If you're raised here, why is nobody helping you?” Li Jie gave him a bashful smile.

“I ran from home. I thought they would look for me but after two months traveling around, there was no word from my family asking for my return. My money was nearly gone. Thus I came back like a coward.” Mule burst out laughing. “A rich young master tried to rebel but failed.” Li Jie didn’t even look offended. “Alas, that is exactly what it was.” Nam Mu looked unimpressed. “Why did you run from home?” Li Jie gave another sheepish smile. “I wanted a break. Too many responsibilities and too few freedoms.

It might seem selfish but I wanted to do what I wanted for once.” Nam Mu couldn’t understand Li Jie’s actions. He had never experienced that kind of freedom. Even when he went to school, he was expected to be at Shu’s beck and call. As a slave he could never just run away. He stared at the other wondering what Li Jie’s household was like. “What does your father do for a living?” Li Jie pulled a face. “He is a Prime Minister like everyone male in our family. I’m being trained to be the same.” Mule hummed.

Finally understanding Li Jie’s rebellion. “Must have been boring studying the whole time.” Li Jie nodded. “You don’t know half of it! Since I could walk, my father has dragged me with him to all the places he was posted. He makes me accompany him to boring state banquets and meetings. Worst is that he now wants me to get married to a horrid you lady! I met her once and it was a dreadful encounter. I draw the line by not being able to choose my own wife.” Li Jie looked furious and sad at the same time. Mule just found him amusing. “Well, you can’t just marry some girl.

As a prime minister’s son, you need political allies.” Li Jie glared at Mule. “Ugh. You sound just like my father.” Mule tried to hold his laugh. “Sorry. I can’t help but tease you. Let’s talk about something else. Where did you stay, while you were gone?” Mule was curious about Li Jie’s travels. “I was in Anyang but it was not really exciting. The people there were stiffer than here. That was also a reason for coming back.” “Do you want us to bring you home?” Li Jie Looked at Nam Mu in shock. He took a deep breath and shook his head. “Never. Since they don’t miss me, I really don’t see the reason why I should go back.” “But you don’t have any money. How are you going to survive?” Nam Mu was looking confused.

“I’ll think of something. I want my father to leave me alone. I want to decide my own future.” Mule looked bored. “Alright, Mr. rebel. You said your father was posted. Where was that?” Li Jie was glad with the change of subject. “Where to start. Ji, Luoyang, Mongolia, Goryeo and Hindūstān. I don’t remember the other places.” Mule brows went up. “How long did you stay in Goryeo?”

“When I was 5 we moved there. My dad was part of a cultural envoy. We stayed for 7 years.” Mule had a silly smile on his face. “So you can speak the language?” Li Jie nodded. “I can speak a lot of languages. We stayed around 3 years in each place. I’m a novice in most languages.“ An idea sprang to Mule's mind watching Li Jie talk. He would suggest it to master Jin during dinner. Li Jie might be the perfect person to help Nam Mu create his young master's persona. “You can come with us.” Both Nam Mu and Li Jie stared at Mule. “I… It… Huh?” Li Jie had doubt in his eyes. “My master is merchant Ping. Surely, you’ve heard of his name.” Li Jie nodded his head. “I’m sure he can find something for you to do. I’ll make sure you have a roof over your head and 3 meals a day. We’ll have to see about payment.” Li Jie's eyes grew big.

“A bed and food is what is the most important right.” Mule's smile got bigger. “Alright. Perfect. Master Nam Mu, Master Li Jie. Let’s go back. We don’t have to stay here anymore.” “Can we finish eating first?” Mule looked irritated. “Of course.” He sat back down and ate a few bites before putting down his chopsticks. He looked around impatiently waiting for the others to finish eating. Nam Mu and Li Jie were eating away and making small talk. Mule was starting to drown them out when he heard Li Jie’s age. “You're so old!” Li Jie smirk. “30. I know I look young.” Mule and Nam Mu looked at Li Jie. If he had said 18 years, they would believe him. “Thank the Gods, I got my mother’s good looks.” Mule shook his head. “I’m understanding your father more and more.”

Li Jie scoffed. “I lost my appetite.” He put down his chopsticks and glared at Mule. Nam Mu also put down his chopsticks. Mule gave a triumphant smile. “Then let’s go back.” The three of them stood up and walked back. When they passed the cash desk Li Jie stopped. “Shouldn’t you pay?” Mule beckoned him to follow him. “My brother already paid.” “You’re brother?” Mule glared at Li Jie. “Let’s just go.”

Li Jie wanted to ask more but Nam Mu put his fingers to his lips. Li Jie didn’t understand why Mule was being so secretive. He didn’t mind, he would find out soon enough. The three of them exited the building. “It’s not far so let’s walk.” Mule turned and began walking back. Nam Mu was shocked to see how the streets had changed. “What a difference!” All the previous stalls were gone. Now there were stalls selling alcoholic drinks, grilled food and a lot of homemade goods. “I like the night market more. Everyday people come here with their own home made goods.” Mule hummed in agreement with Li Jie words. “The stalls at the night market mostly sell traditional food and handcrafts.

They create a nostalgic feel and are popular among young and old. Also they don't overprice the customer's.” The three of them slowly walked back, enjoying the festive atmosphere. Mule was especially enthusiastic. He pointed at different snacks and handicrafts explaining how they work or use. Mule couldn't help but buy some snacks. Nam Mu also enjoyed himself enormously. Back home there was no such thing as a night market. A few hours later they finally arrived back at the guild. “Let’s go to the common room first. We're late for dinner but I’m sure Master Ping is still waiting.” Nam Mu and Li Jie followed Mule to a large building. On the way Mule was greeted by people from the guild. Nam Mu and Li Jie were just stared at. Mule walked inside and looked around. "There he is. I told you he was still waiting."

Mule pointed to a table at the back. Jin was sitting alone, drinking from a crock. Mule walked over with Nam Mu and Li Jie in tow. When they reached the table Jin looked up with a big smile on his face. "Young master Wei Li Jie! What an honor to have you hear. Master Nam Mu, did you enjoy your day?" Nam Mu sat down with a big smile. He wanted to tell Jin all about what he had seen but Jin was looking at Li Jie.

Li Jie had stopped in his tracks when he heard Jin say his name. "H... How did you know?" Jin gave him a gentle smile. "Gossip travels fast." Li Jie turned agitated. "What do you mean?" Jin slowly drank his drink but didn't give an answer. After emptying his cup, he stood up. "Let's go tomy office. We don't want to create more gossip. Nam Mu was confused because the dining room was empty except for the four of them. Jin stood up without waiting for the other and left the building.