Vol 10 Chapter 47 (2/2)

“Do you think that it’s hopeless as well?”

“Un?” She looked at me when she heard me speak and shook her head, “No, I feel that if you are truly sincere, then there is a good chance actually.”

“I see.” I said and was about to ask her further but she cut me off.

“But, given that Kong Ming’s present whereabouts are unknown, it will be difficult to find her. Even I cannot be sure of where she is.”

Ah… I can see that.

“So just come again another time. Don’t be discouraged. As long as you come around enough times, you will get to see Kong Ming eventually.”

Even though I know that already, it feels like she is delivering a prophecy of sorts as though she can already see it happening, which further elevated my impression of her.

“Ah, is Teacher Cui Zhou Ping also a hermit?” Yun Chang chimed in after nodding along to our conversation the entire time. Looks like she has a good impression of this Cui Zhou Ping person.

“Haha, a hermit huh?” She chuckled, “I’m just an ordinary peasant. My household happens to own some land that is being rented out so my life is rather good and leisurely and all I do is seek out my friends to kill time.”

How is that the life of an ordinary peasant?

“You’re being too humble.” I said, feeling like I wanted to speak with this woman a little more, “I’ve heard that you like to discuss matters revolving around governance, politics and administration. Would you happen to know of any strategies to create a stable nation? I, Liu Bei, would most definitely be keen to listen.”

“Not at all. All I can tell you are some flawed theories and suggestions. It’s best if I don’t say anything.” She said and smiled as she sat down a flattish rock and waved her hands dismissively.

“Ah yes, let me ask this first. Did Teacher Shuijing happen to recommend me when he spoke with you?” She suddenly asked me seriously.

“… That did indeed happen.” I replied truthfully since she already suspected it. Even though I did not actually plan on inviting her, she asked me anyway so I might as well do it, “So if you would be willing to come and–”

“Ah, if he did so, please do ignore what he said.”

Eh?! Before I could finish, she turned me down decisively. If she does not want to join me then why did she ask me about it with such great interest?

“I’m sorry but I don’t think what you just did was very appropriate.”

“Un?”

Just then, Yi De spoke up and when I turned to look at her, I saw that she looked rather furious. The only time I have ever seen her like this was back at Liu Biao’s residence when Kuai Yue and Kuai Liang made light of me.

“I feel that you should at least let Xuan De finish before giving a response.” Yi De continued while Yun Chang looked on from the side with a stony expression.

“It’s fine, it’s fine.” I said, trying to placate her.

“Aiya aiya, look at me!” Cui Zhou Ping looked like she just realised something and held her face as she shook her head and looked at me apologetically, “You misunderstood me. I didn’t accept your invitation not because I feel that you aren’t worthy of my serving you or that I think too highly of myself. I just feel that I am not capable enough.”

“Aiya, you’re being too humble.”

Cui Zhou Ping shook her head at me, “Let me ask you a question, why does one become a hermit?”

“Eh?” I never thought about this before but I do have some ideas, “Un… Perhaps one is tired of all the ongoing conflicts and wishes to seek a life of tranquility and peace?”

She nodded, “Imperial Uncle is right. That is the main reason why we become hermits. But is there any rule that states that we are all very intelligent and capable individuals?”

Ah… Now that I think about it, that does not seem to be the case. I looked at Yi De and Yun Chang from the side and saw that they were deep in thought as well.

“Definitely no right?” She asked again and sighed, “I can’t speak for the others but I must tell you all that I am not as capable as Imperial Uncle expects. Perhaps there is some sort of charisma that comes from being a hermit but I’ll have to be honest and tell you that I am not very capable.”

She was serious. This was not her trying to be humble.

“I was once an Administrator and I was also a General of the Household as well. But to be honest, my skill with administration is only so-so nor am I very adept at leading in battle. As for my understanding of the crisis that plagues the Central Plains, I must say that I am not too clear on it. And the only reason why I am here is because my father and brother died in their service and my family has lost much sway.” She said and shrugged, “May I ask, after knowing all this, do you still wish to invite me?”

Wu… I do not know what I can say at this point. Remaining silent makes me seem weak at this point but I do not have the courage to gamble on someone who does not seem to be very capable and clearly believes that. Besides, I was not actually serious about inviting her in the first place.

“You need not feel ashamed. I should be the one who is ashamed. Even though I still hold some ambitions of my own, I sought refuge in the remote countryside because I know that I cannot survive in the chaotic world. Hermits are just hermits. One does not automatically become a sage just by being a hermit. We may seem special to outsiders but not all of us possess extraordinary wit, intelligence and capability. If you a.s.sume that, we will be very troubled.”

“Hahaha!” She laughed but it looked like she was laughing at herself.

“Alright, I got it.” I nodded. I should have known about this. Cui Zhou Ping must have received many other invitations from others before this as well. I felt sad for her when I realised this.

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