Vol 9 Chapter 13 (1/2)
VOLUME 9 CHAPTER 13: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS THE AWAKENING OF LIU BEI (6)
Liu Bei POV
“Eh? Dilu?”
Just as I walked out of the house, I found that Dilu, who had been tied to a pillar in the courtyard, was now tied to one pf the stone chairs ahead. When I took a closer look, I found that Dilu had already been fitted with a saddle and 2 bags hung on either side.
This is…
“Those are some provisions and money for Imperial Uncle. It will be a difficult journey and you can’t go anywhere without basic necessities.” Sima Hui said from behind.
“Ah, that’s really helpful.” When I heard Sima Hui say so, I didn’t bother looking into the contents of the bags and retied them before I bowed and saluted him, “When I get back to Xinye, I’ll return you manifold.”
“No need, no need.” Sima Hui said as he waved, “Meeting Imperial Uncle was fate. Now that this fate is at an end, we have to do something to forge another fate.”
I don’t really understand what Sima Hui means but I’ll take it that these are just farewell gifts.
“I, I see…” I nodded and quickly walked up and untied Dilu.
Sima Hui and Xiang Lang followed along as well and when they caught up, Sima Hui rubbed Dilu’s face as he said, “This is indeed a good horse. You better work hard for your lord next time.”
*Neigh*~
I don’t know if Dilu understands but it gave a low neigh at Sima Hui’s words. Sima Hui chuckled in response and said, “I see, I see.”
Could it be that Sima Hui is an expert on horses? That’s not impossible, I suppose. I don’t know why, but I seem to be having the impression that hermit scholars are omniscient and omnipotent.
Alright, Dilu is loose now.
I loosened the restraints and brought the horse out.
After what just happened, I’m a little apprehensive about riding but I don’t have anything against Dilu for some reason. And when I held the reins, it seemed like I could still mount him in one go like before.
“Hei!” And just as I expected, I got up on the saddle in one go. Dilu was rather stable too and didn’t move while I got into a comfortable position. I tried moving the reins about and everything felt like before. Good. I haven’t lost any of my riding skills after drinking all that river water.
“Alright,” I said softly and nodded before looking at Sima Hui and Xiang Lang, “Well then, I, Liu Bei, will be leaving now. I am grateful to you both for saving me and after I’ve done what I have to, I will definitely return to see Teacher Sima.”
“Good, good.” Sima Hui didn’t refuse my offer to return unlike when he refused my offer to repay him and merely accepted it as he saluted half-heartedly. It seems like he thinks that I will definitely be bogged down by trouble in future and won’t be able to return for a while yet.
I have to admit that he’s probably right though.
“Well then, goodbye.” I withdrew my smile, saluted and swung the reins.
… Ah, if I remember correctly, I just need to continue this way.
Sima Hui POV
…
As I looked at Imperial Uncle’s distancing figure, my heart was calmer than I expected.
“Let’s go, to the fields.” I said to Xiang Lang as I tapped the hoe against my shoulder. I don’t know when this began but my body no longer feels as strong as before. Just lifting this hoe can be difficult sometimes.
“Teacher, is it alright like this?” Xiang Lang said while still standing where she was after I’d taken 2-3 steps out.
“Un? Where did that come from?”
No way.
I had a guess as to what she meant but I never thought that she would be so sharp at such a tender age so I feigned ignorance to see what she had to say.
“Yesterday night,” Looks like my guess is on the mark, “You wanted to recommend yourself right?”
“Kekekeke,” I laughed as I stroked my beard, “d.a.m.ned Xiang Lang, how dare you eaves drop on us!”
“It was just a coincidence, please do forgive me.” Xiang Lang said as she bowed. But we both know that it was not a coincidence.