Vol 8 Chapter 54 (1/2)
VOLUME 8 CHAPTER 54: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS A SECRET LATE NIGHT RENDEZVOUS (2)
Liu Bei POV
After finis.h.i.+ng dinner, I sat in the courtyard to cool off and took the chance to indulge in a few satisfying burps while no one was around.
I have to say, Gan Qing’s substantial improvement in her culinary prowess in the time I wasn’t around is truly praiseworthy. The vegetable dishes are not watery and are delicious and the meat dishes no longer have any weird flavours. The meat and vegetable ingredients in this era are also much more fresh than that in the future, making even ordinary dishes taste far better than any I’ve had in the future.
Of course, this is also due to the fact that I haven’t had an ordinary homecooked meal in a while now. Though the food at the banquet was good, the taste was a little weak and the portions disappointing, which was not to the liking of someone like me who is from the north.
Ah… It’s so hot now.
The twigs of the tree nearby had begun making crackling noises. I could feel that the temperature had increased and it was rather warm now. I’d thought that it wouldn’t be so warm in the beginning of summer but now that I’m out, it feels a lot more like the peak of summer, making me question my decision to come out here.
“My lord, what are you doing here?”
Un? I raised my head and saw Liao Hua standing there with her long, plain gown and bamboo rain hat. She held a book in one hand and an oil lamp in the other. I really don’t understand her choice in her clothing. She changed to her nightwear already but she still has her hat on.
“Where are the rest?”
“Lord Guan Yu and Lord Lu Bu have returned to the barracks. It seems like Lord Lu Bu has pardoned and recruited a large number of Jiangxia bandits so she has to show her face for a bit at least.”
I see.
“What about the others? Have Hua Tuo and Yi De gone to bed already?”
“Yes, those 2 have more healthy lifestyles after all.”
Healthy lifestyles… I think this has more to do with their age.
“…”
“Umm, is there anything wrong?” I asked when I saw Liao Hua stare in my direction. To be honest, I haven’t spoken with Liao Hua much. Most times, I only exchange a few words with her like this.
Liao Hua herself doesn’t speak much, and not only is her presence not very strong, she also often hides at the back of crowds. The only special feature I can recall about her is that Feng Xian once told me that she is good with the spear.
This is why I’m rather surprised when Liao Hua is now approaching me and starting up a conversation.
“… About that, I have a question to ask you.” She took a deep breath before slowly asking what she had come here to ask, “Have you ever considered what would happen to us if you were to actually die?”
Liao Hua’s choice of topic wasn’t very interesting but was a serious one nonetheless. This was also something I happened to be thinking about a few hours ago so I can perhaps share some thoughts with her.
“Though I’ve only begun to consider this recently, the answer to your question is yes, I have indeed.” I nodded, “If I were to meet my end somewhere somehow, everyone would probably descend into chaos.”
“Ho~” Liao Hua gave a very meaningful sigh, which made me feel a little awkward.
“Umm, if you feel like I’m overestimating my influence, then please do forget this conversation ever happened.”
“No, perhaps it is as you have said.” I was about to smile and let the topic end at that but Liao Hua unexpectedly continued, “If things were to go as I foresee it, then our group will divide into 2 much like how the 2 contingents are divided.”
Eh? She’s already thought about things that far?
“You feel that Yun Chang and Feng Xian will part ways?”
“That is practically a sure thing.” Liao Hua nodded, “Lord Guan Yu is just in her way of doing things and is far more prudent; Lord Lu Bu on the other hand does not consider the big picture and does things as she wishes. Both of them are very strong but their styles do not fit well. If they were to jointly command an army, the outcome would not be very favourable.”
… Un. What Liao Hua says makes sense. In fact, I have been keenly aware of this difference. It’s only because they are getting along well now, and Feng Xian has not behaved like the deviant, arrogant Lu Bu I know from the actual Three Kingdoms.
“By the way, how did you notice this?”
“I can see it plain and clear.” Liao Hua said as though it were something very simple, which was a bit difficult for me to accept. This must have shown on my face as she continued, “Or perhaps, it would be more accurate to say that I observed this.”
Aren’t they the same thing?
“… Does my lord think that they are the same thing?”
“Haha, you girls have seen through me again.”
“You girls?”
“No, nothing, please continue.”
This isn’t very important, not anymore anyway. I feel like all my thoughts are displayed on my face. This is also the reason why I can’t lie anymore.
“In conclusion, my lord’s existence is of paramount importance.” Liao Hua said as she sat down on a stone chair opposite me, “My lord has the ability of gathering and keeping people together so if you should encounter danger in the future, I hope that my lord puts his own safety above all else and escape first.”
“… Why are you telling me this?” I don’t really understand Liao Hua, and unlike me, she doesn’t expose what her thoughts are on her face.
“Because I’ve already decided to be a witness to your path.” She said unhesitatingly in a serious tone, “Your path needs someone to be there to see it all.”
“My path?”
“Yes, in a time of great chaos, one’s path will decide one’s longevity. I am afraid of death so I have abandoned my path and have chosen to be an observer.”
Her words were a little too highfalutin and abstract, making it difficult for me to understand what her intentions were. In any case, I can understand at least, that she wishes to see where I end up from here on out.