Chapter 008: Enlightenment

Xi Bin said with a righteous expression: "He is merely a friend I encountered on the road. Although my acquaintance with Master Kong is brief, I have no doubt whatsoever about his moral character. If one were to say that Master Kong is not a gentleman, then for the past five thousand years, no man would dare to call himself a gentleman."

Confucius solemnly stated: "It is neither your fault nor mine; it is truly... a twist of fate, the will of heaven!"

Isn't this nonsense? A tall man standing at nine feet, what is so remarkable about long leg hair? It is merely that the great name of Confucius has been perfectly deified over the course of two thousand years. Those who revere Confucius as if he were a deity should consider that he, like ordinary people, also had emotions and desires, and needed to eat, drink, and relieve himself, which they feel is a desecration of the sage. Although Xi Bin does not have such an intense reverence for the sage, he still cannot help but feel astonished.

He took a deep breath, the air filled with the refreshing fragrance of grass. He straightened his back and felt the soft, smooth fur beneath him. A smile gradually appeared at the corners of Xi Bin's lips, and he suddenly had an unprecedented realization about the meaning of life: "No matter what the future holds, the meaning of life should be to live each day to the fullest! From today on, I am Qing Ji, and I will make every day of my life extraordinarily wonderful" He suddenly had an unprecedented realization about the meaning of life: "No matter what the future holds, the meaning of life should be to live each day to the fullest! From today on, I am Qing Ji, and I will make every day of my life extraordinarily wonderful"

In the next two thousand years, whenever someone speaks ill of Confucius, there will be some filial sons and virtuous grandsons who will react as if their ancestral graves have been disturbed, erupting in fury. However, what Xi Bin witnessed was a Confucius who appeared to be bullied by two young girls, rendered speechless and embarrassed. Xi Bin could not help but burst into laughter, feeling that this moment captured Confucius as a living, breathing person, rather than a clay idol worshipped on an altar.

Upon hearing this, Xi Bin thought to himself: "It is a pity that it is not me standing behind that tree. If it were me, I would definitely dive down and not come out even if I had to throw a bomb."

Unable to rely on external forces and having no prior connections with the three prominent families that held power in the State of Lu, Xi Bin became increasingly anxious as he contemplated these numerous difficulties. At times, he felt restless, unable to sleep due to the winds swirling around him, and at other times, the hard clumps of earth beneath the leopard skin were uncomfortable. After tossing and turning for a long while, he still could not find peace in sleep. Suddenly, he sat up, overwhelmed with frustration and only wanting to shout.

He had not finished speaking when Kong Qiu, standing behind the tree, firmly refused: "Young Master, your trust in me is greatly appreciated. However, I ask myself if I have committed any wrongdoing. My conduct is open and aboveboard, with no shame before heaven or earth. What crime should I confess to, or what compensation should I offer? By bowing like this, am I not admitting to having acted like a petty person?"

At that moment, Xi Bin arrived with great enthusiasm

Not only is it a remembrance of a life that can never be returned to and of loved ones who can never be seen again, but it is also due to his current situation. He knows that this leisurely and comfortable life will not last for long. He has inexplicably obtained the body of Qingji, allowing his life to continue, but the price he must pay is to inherit Qingji's responsibilities and hatred, carving out a mark that belongs to him in history

"Oh? This old man from Shandong is quite stubborn." Xi Bin was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and could only play the good guy: "This young lady, Master Kong's character is absolutely trustworthy. Just think, if he had any ill intentions, why would he bother to stop you from undressing and entering the water?"

Xi Bin was observing the knights with his feet crossed when he suddenly heard a delicate reprimand coming from upstream of the river: "Shameless scoundrel, a beast in human clothing, how dare you spy here, come out at once!"

Ren Bingyue untied her clothing, revealing the delicate tips of her bosom. Just then, a man's voice rang out, causing her to be genuinely startled. She let out a scream, covered her clothing, and shrank back, feeling both angry and embarrassed as she shouted, "Who is it? Show yourself!"

Today, Confucius encounters obstacles everywhere; he would never have imagined that his future achievements would be difficult for even an emperor to reach. Although yesterday's Qing Ji knew that the restoration of the Wu state was fraught with countless difficulties, he only harbored dreams of success in his heart. As I look back on the path they have walked, I feel it is a field of thorns; yet, as they walked this path, what lay before them was a bright future

In Xi Bin's heart, a glimmer of hope arose: "In Qicheng, I wonder if I will encounter that charming young lady again." However, upon reflecting on his status as a young nobleman, now exhausted and running about like a lost dog, he could not help but feel that he had no right to entertain thoughts of a family, and he was left in a state of despondency.

Xi Bin arrived and saw that the young lady and the charming maid Qing Yu were both blushing, drawing their swords and holding their bows, aiming at a willow tree lying in the river. He quickly asked, "Ah... what has happened, Miss?"

As the cooking smoke rose, the soldiers returned to the camp in groups of two or three, each one disheveled. Some had washed their clothes and were completely bare, unconcerned since there were no women in the barracks. Many were laughing and playing, indicating that after days of long travel without training, military discipline had become exceedingly lax. Upon seeing this, Xi Bin frowned silently.

The State of Wei is too far from the State of Wu. As a result, although it provides him with a base that is not easily attacked by He Lü, launching a counterattack against Wu presents numerous difficulties. Especially after his recent assassination attempt and military defeat, many noble families and officials in Wu, who were originally inclined to support him, will likely waver in their loyalty for the sake of their family's survival

Upon hearing this, Xi Bin was greatly excited, not knowing who had provoked that young girl again. He hurriedly exclaimed, "Quick, quick, assist this young master to see what is going on."

Upon hearing this, Xi Bin readily agreed: "Yes, yes, Master Kong, let me put on some clothes and come out to apologize to these two young ladies..."

Confucius wore a bitter smile, wringing the water from his clothes while shaking his head and sighing: "Alas, I never expected that bathing here would lead to such an unwarranted disaster, being humiliated for no reason by two women."

Oh? Is it Confucius! The beautiful spring scenery in March, could it be that even the sage has been moved by the feelings of spring? Xi Bin thought with amusement, measuring the sage's thoughts with his own heart.

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Establishing a 'government-in-exile' near the State of Wu in the State of Lu would be the most appropriate choice; however, this cannot be accomplished without the permission and support of the State of Lu. As he approaches Qufu, what attitude will the people of Lu adopt towards him? What must he do to gain the support of the State of Lu? The mere thought of these questions is enough to cause a headache

Confucius, upon hearing the voice of Qing Ji in the water, could not help but feel overjoyed: "Young master, bear witness for me, young master, bear witness for me!"

Upon hearing Xi Bin make such a solemn vow on his behalf, the sage felt immensely grateful: "I have known Young Master Qingji for only a few days, yet he trusts and understands me so deeply. Truly... truly, justice resides in the hearts of the people"

"Stop talking nonsense! What did you see on https://www.hetushu.com?" Qingyu asked angrily

Do not say that Confucius is currently completely naked and unadorned; even if he were dressed in formal attire, upon seeing the arrows aimed at him, he would still refuse to go out at all. He stood behind the willow branches and leaves, repeatedly explaining, while the two servants of the icy moon on the shore merely shouted and cursed.

At this moment, the wilderness was enveloped in silence, while the two brothers, A Qiu and Zai Qiu, were snoring soundly. In the distance, several bonfires crackled as the unburned logs emitted a "pop, crackle" sound. The wind rustled the grass, revealing a few warriors wielding spears roaming in the distance

The longer he remains away from the State of Wu, the weaker his influence in Wu becomes. One day, he will no longer have any impact on the nobles and ministers of Wu. At that time, restoring his state will be even more difficult. To maintain his influence in Wu, he must ensure that the nobles and citizens of Wu are aware of his presence.

Now his injuries have stabilized, but he does not wish to change course and return to the State of Wei. He has carefully considered his situation; if he wants to survive, to live well, he must persist on the path taken by Qingji until He Lü is eliminated. They are a pair of irreconcilable enemies; unless He Lü is eliminated, he will not be able to rest easy, and unless He Lü is eliminated, he will not even have a pillow to lay his head on.

Xi Bin looked at the two as they walked away and chuckled, "Master Kong, Master Kong, you can come out now"

Qing Yu shot a glare at Xi Bin and said, "You all got off easy!" She then hurriedly followed behind the young lady.

Confucius helplessly remarked: "At first, I did not know who the visitors were. Later, I realized they were two young ladies, presumably coming to fetch water and then leave, so there was no need for conversation. Unexpectedly, the two young ladies wanted to wash their feet here; at that moment, speaking would have been inappropriate. I had no choice but to endure it, never anticipating that the two young ladies would want to bathe. Forced by circumstances, I finally spoke up to give a warning."

Upon thinking of that unfamiliar woman, she was about to loosen her clothing and jump into the water. Once she entered the water and saw herself, at that moment, even the vast waters of the rivers could not cleanse her. Confucius no longer dared to hesitate and quickly shouted, "Do not loosen your clothing, do not jump into the water, there are people here!"

Qing Yu, unyielding and relentless: "You scoundrel, do not attempt to argue! Miss, why not call for the family guards and have his dog head killed!"

At night, Brother A Qiu spread soft grass and laid a leopard skin on top, inviting the young master to rest. Xi Bin lay down fully clothed, gazing up at the vast starry river, as an inexplicable sense of loneliness and melancholy quietly crept into his heart

Gazing for a long time at the sleeping figures of Confucius and his disciples, Xi Bin felt as if a sudden enlightenment had dawned upon him, and the countless stars in the sky seemed to reflect into the depths of his heart at that very moment

Next to him is Confucius, but his teachings are of no help to Xibi's current situation. Strategy has never been a concern for Confucius. None of the great rulers such as Qin Shi Huang, Han Wu, Tang Zong, or Song Zu used Confucianism to establish their empires; Confucianism cannot build a nation.

Qing Yu asked a question, and Kong Qiu had nothing to say, while Ren Bingyue's little face suddenly turned bright red.

Confucius was anxious to the point of turning pale; had he known that these two women would draw water and then wash their feet, and after washing their feet would proceed to bathe, he should have signaled early that someone was present. Now, it was somewhat difficult to explain his presence. What should he do?

Confucius hid behind a tree, smiling bitterly: "Ladies, it is not that I am being rude; I was bathing here when you two had not yet arrived..."

It was said that her demeanor had greatly softened, and the sword in her hand had also lowered. Qingyu noticed that her young lady had the intention of seeking peace, so she said: "My young lady does not wish to pursue this matter further, thus granting you leniency. Call your friend out to apologize and make amends to my young lady, and this matter will be considered settled."

Confucius had put on a pair of knee-length underwear, dripping wet as he walked ashore. Xi Bin's grand dream of having seen the rear of the Sage Kong was thus shattered. However, when he glanced down, he couldn't help but be astonished: "Wow, the Sage Kong actually has leg hair!"

Confucius, hiding behind a tree, said with a sigh: "I, Kong, stand tall and upright, with an open heart. How could I possibly engage in such disrespectful acts? In truth, I have seen nothing at all"

Xi Bin's emotions surged, and the feeling of anxiety and oppression gradually faded away, leaving his heart clear and serene. He lay back down on the soft leopard-skin mattress, his hands clasped over his chest, quietly gazing at the starry sky. The deep blue sky suddenly witnessed a bright shooting star, trailing a long arc of light as it disappeared at the horizon's edge. However, that beautiful, fairy-tale-like glow was deeply etched in his mind.

The astonished Qingyu, who was looking around, suddenly shot an arrow with a swift motion. With a firm thud, the sharp arrow pierced through the dense foliage, striking right beside the large hand of Kong Qiu, firmly embedded in the trunk. Qingyu shouted sharply: "Shameless scoundrel, a beast in human clothing, how dare you spy here? Come out at once!"

When Xi Bin returned to the camp, he noticed that the two young girls and the more than twenty knights had already set off, heading through the valley towards the direction of Qicheng.

Ren Bingyue glared at Qingji, questioning suspiciously, "Why do you swear such a fierce oath to defend him? What is he to you?"

With a sharp tongue and eloquent speech, Qing Yu explained the situation, and only then did Xi Bin understand the course of events. Upon grasping the details, he immediately swore an oath, pointing to the heavens and drawing lines on the ground: "It is impossible, absolutely impossible. I stake my life and family on this; Master Kong is definitely not that kind of person. If there is even a word of falsehood, may the heavens strike me with five thunders, and may I die without a place to be buried!"

Ren Bingyue thought it made sense, and although that person was hiding and unwilling to show himself, his warm-hearted friend kept bowing and apologizing. Although she had always been proud and willful, this world is ultimately one where men are esteemed over women. For a big man to act in such a manner could be considered regaining some face, so she snorted coldly and swept her sleeves as she left

Xi Bin gasped a few times, yet the oppressive breath trapped in his chest could not be expelled. His gaze shifted to the left, where, about five or six zhang away, Confucius and his disciples lay on straw mats, already in slumber. Their difficult circumstances, fraught with setbacks, did not seem to have extinguished their hope. A momentary setback had not diminished their faith; for the ideals in their hearts, they optimistically looked forward to each new day.

Ren Bingyue had already put on her clothes, her pretty face flushed with anger. She swiftly drew a sharp short sword from Qingyu's waist and shouted, "If that is the case, why didn't you speak up at that time?"

Ren Bingyue raised her slender eyebrows and coldly laughed, saying, "Oh, so it seems that it is indeed my fault, isn't it?"

Ren Bingyue did not wish to be completely exposed to others. Seeing him speak so passionately and make such a fierce oath, she believed him to some extent. However, when she heard him praise the man hiding behind the tree as unparalleled in the heavens and unmatched on earth, she felt quite indignant and spat at him, saying: "Throughout history, I have observed that there has never been a gentleman among men."

As the conversation came to an end, Confucius waded through the water, holding up his garments.