Chapter 009: Seeking Talents and Inquiring about Bandit Threats, Crawling to Steal Melons and Escape Plans

At this point, he blushed and retorted, "Xiao Yu, if you hadn't mentioned that the melons at Uncle Liu's place are ripe, would Ling Er have thought about being thirsty?"

Seeing Master Tao moving forward with great anxiety, Luo Yu did not forget to urge from behind: "Hurry up, it's getting late"

The Master spoke slowly while smiling and looking at the two individuals outside the courtyard who were currently glaring at him with anger

Upon hearing this, he realized that he could not possibly persuade Master Qian to take action, and he felt a sudden sense of dejection and hesitation. The reason he was able to become the governor of Qingqiu was due to the recent bandit troubles in the area; the previous governor had failed to suppress the bandits, which led to his own appointment and the accompanying prestige. While the public image was indeed impressive, upon arriving in Qingqiu Town, he understood that the bandit issue was far more severe than usual. The former governor had been unable to resolve the bandit problem, and what could he do? After contemplating this, he suddenly heard of a great sage in the Qingqiu region, whom everyone respectfully referred to as Master! ... While the public image was indeed impressive, upon arriving in Qingqiu Town, he understood that the bandit issue was far more severe than usual. The former governor had been unable to resolve the bandit problem, and what could he do? After contemplating this, he suddenly heard of a great sage in the Qingqiu region, whom everyone respectfully referred to as Master! ... It was said that he was knowledgeable, understanding the heavens and the earth, and well-versed in both ancient and modern times ...

Qian Fuzi saw that Xu Zhifu was truly devoted to the people, and he nodded slightly, indicating for him to sit down. Looking at Xu Guangnian, who appeared anxious yet hopeful, he smiled and pointed to the distant, mist-shrouded Qingqiu Mountains, reassuring him: "Some matters, you see, are sometimes beyond human capability... I have heard that the Qingqiu Mountains are blessed with outstanding talents and spiritual energy, and that immortals often appear there. I truly envy those immortals. If one were an immortal, one could surely grasp the underlying causes and effects with a mere gesture... coming and going without a trace..."

Once again, closing my eyes, I soon heard faint snoring coming from the small courtyard

Master Qian smiled and said: "There is nothing else, it is simply because I have two disciples under my tutelage. One has already graduated, yet has not reached the age of adulthood; as for the younger disciple, although he is indeed gifted, he is still in his early years of study, so how can one speak of anything extraordinary?"

Suddenly! Xu Guangnian abruptly recalled the words of the Master, "Opportunities are reserved for the young!" Indeed! Having heard that Master Qian has disciples, could it be that the Master is recommending his disciples to me?

One of the elders scolded, "How dare you be so disrespectful to my master..."

Xiao Yu, how... ... ! ''

... ...

At this moment, he is dressed in a long white linen robe, reclining on a bamboo chair in the courtyard. Although he sighs in lament, his tone and expression are filled with a sense of contentment

Looking at the melon shed not far away, Todd bent down and cautiously began to pluck the melon vines, and before long, the vines were severed

Todd immediately nodded upon hearing this, but when he learned that he was to go pick them alone, he was astonished and said: "Why must I go alone to pick them? Why aren't you going?"

As he spoke, he pretended to be angry, feigning a desire to return home. Upon hearing this, Tao De felt that it seemed to have nothing to do with Luo Yu, but rather that he, as the senior brother, had wronged Xiao Yu! Seeing Luo Yu retreat, he hurriedly dissuaded him, saying a great deal, and the two of them continued their 'gecko-style' crawling forward.

Upon seeing the scholar, Master Qian casually waved his hand and, with a kind smile, said: "I am merely a rustic villager; to not welcome a guest and to speak rudely is truly the behavior of one who is unacquainted with proper etiquette, is it not?"

Speaking of this, Xu Guangnian secretly glanced at Qian Fuzi, who, as if unaware of his gaze, displayed a look of great confusion and said: "Seeking the virtuous! In these deep mountains and secluded valleys, in the rural lands, where can one find a sage?"

Upon further observation of this scholar, one notices a neatly trimmed beard and a dignified countenance, exuding a gentle yet commanding presence. As he walks forward, his upright posture reveals an air of authority, suggesting that his status is undoubtedly remarkable. Although the gentleman harbors such thoughts in his mind, he has no intention of rising to pay his respects; he merely sits up slightly, as a gesture of acknowledgment.

Upon seeing Governor Xu seated, the scholar stroked his beard, nodded in approval, and took the initiative to ask: "Governor Xu holds an important position in the court; how is it that you have the time to come to this rural area?"

Peach blossoms reflect in the secluded valley, lotus ponds are adjacent to the small cottage

Governor Xu glanced at the small bamboo stool that was less than one foot high, then looked at Master Qian, who was still seated high upon the bamboo chair. He couldn't help but smile wryly in his heart, thinking, "It seems this old scholar is not easy to deal with. I wonder if my concerns can be... sigh..." Although he sighed inwardly, Governor Xu maintained a smile on his face, sitting calmly and expressing his gratitude with a bow.

Todd shook his head in refusal, saying: "It's easy for you to say, but you won't have to go. If Uncle Liu catches me, I will suffer. Not to mention the punishment from my father, it would also bring shame to the teacher if it gets out. How about... how about we just forget it!"

Upon hearing this, Qian Fuzi nodded and said, "Oh? Now that you mention it... Hmm, that does make sense"

Looking at the silent pavilion, Luo Yu cautiously said: "Let's observe for a while longer... If there is still no movement, it is likely that Uncle Liu and that foolish dog are both asleep. At that time, you can proceed to pick it."

He feigned a serious expression and solemnly stated: "Historical records indicate that tens of thousands of years ago, there was a prodigy named Gan Long. At the age of twelve, he was granted the title of Shangqing, and by thirteen, he held the positions of Prime Minister for the three nations of Chu Yan, Nan Zhao, and Dong Lan! Furthermore, he united the strength of the three nations to jointly resist the northern nation of Yan. Later, he led an army of a million across the Heavenly Bridge to engage in battle with Yan at Cangzhou, determining the pattern of the world in a single confrontation. It was from this point that the three nations enjoyed nearly ten thousand years of vitality. This demonstrates that ambition is not limited by age; how could a teacher deceive his young disciples?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Guangnian felt a jolt in his heart. "This Master Qian is truly a person of extraordinary insight. I have not revealed a hint of my purpose, yet he is able to guess my intentions. He truly deserves the title of sage." With this thought, his spirits were further lifted. If Master Qian could teach him the way to resolve his issues, why would he need to seek the guidance of that still young disciple

Before Xu Guangnian could speak, Qian Fuzi sighed and said: "I am getting old, after chatting for a while, I feel a bit tired. I will lie down for a while, please feel free, Governor Xu."

Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and his heart became clear in an instant. He excitedly said: "Master, you often say this is beyond the ordinary..."

Have you ever engaged in lofty discussions about the universe, wielding your sword to debate the Dao? Gazing back at the years gone by, from dawn to dusk, my worldly concerns have dissipated, yet I have become like the setting sun in the west. Alas, after wandering several times, I still cannot escape the mundane turmoil of this world of mountains and seas. Master Qian gazes deeply into the hidden peaks of Qingqiu Mountain, his heart filled with countless thoughts.

Before Xu Guangnian could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the laughter of Qian Fuzai, who waved his hand vigorously, his white sleeves fluttering as if he had heard the greatest joke in the world. He self-deprecatingly remarked: "Xu Governor's praise is too much; how could I possibly be worthy of the title 'sage'? It is inappropriate, truly inappropriate!"

Governor Xu can be said to have completed his speech in one breath, and he quickly calmed the passionate emotions within him, sincerely gazing at the Confucian scholar

At this moment, the two were crouched in the dry ditch, noticing the surrounding stillness. Luo Yu slowly poked his head out, peering through the wildly overgrown weeds, licking his now somewhat cracked lips, and gazing ahead at a lush green melon field.

Forget it? How will you explain this to Sister Ling'er? Brother Tao, besides, you have already graduated, so even if you catch someone, what does it have to do with the teacher? Moreover, Uncle Liu has not moved at all until now, he must be sound asleep, how could he possibly be discovered?

However, Master Qian gazed at the distant Qingqiu Mountain, fell silent for a moment, and said softly: "Governor Xu's words are reasonable; I have indeed been shortsighted. However, my two disciples have not yet mastered their studies, and it is true that they cannot leave the mountain at this time."

At this moment, he was crawling among the weeds on the hillside like a gecko, with Tao De also crawling forward not far from him! In contrast, Qian Ling'er, who usually never left his side, seemed to have disappeared!

The scholar Yu Guang glanced at the two individuals, and upon seeing them quickly bowing their heads in acknowledgment, he immediately adopted a friendly demeanor and said: "The esteemed scholar possesses great virtue and is well-respected, with knowledge that spans the world; how could he possibly be someone who is ignorant of propriety! It is indeed our rudeness to intrude uninvited, and we have disturbed the scholar's midday rest, which is a breach of etiquette on our part"

A sudden sound echoed in my heart... it's over

Just as Qian Fuzi was leisurely enjoying the refreshing coolness under the tree, he suddenly heard a hearty voice coming from not far away. He was not surprised by this; it seemed he had already known, as he merely turned his head slightly to look at the three individuals who had arrived outside the courtyard. Upon a brief glance, he noticed that a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar was in the front, followed by two agile young servants in short attire, whose robust physiques and steady strides clearly indicated that they were martial artists.

Xu Guangnian, feeling perplexed, asked: "Why does the Master speak and laugh?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Master quickly sat up, yet his body showed no intention of leaving the bamboo chair. Looking at the Master, who feigned a look of surprise, anyone could see that his demeanor was contrived

Listening to the praises from Governor Xu, the scholar indeed admired his eloquence, yet maintained an outward calm. Upon seeing that the scholar was impervious to his flattery, Governor Xu was at a loss for words. After a moment of silence, just as he was about to muster the courage to ask again, the scholar gently pressed his hand down and said: "Governor Xu, I have long since looked down upon the worldly pursuits of fame and fortune. It is true that I am old, and it is also true that I have no desire for an official career. There is no need for you to make any futile efforts... Just leave the opportunities for the young."

When Qian Fuzi awoke from his dream, the years had faded between the peaks of Cangmei Ridge. He could not help but look back on the past; ten years ago, he had traversed the world alone, ultimately retreating to this secluded valley. ... He had once sat quietly under the eaves of a small cottage, allowing the gentle breeze to caress his gray hair; he had also gazed at the falling peach blossoms, each petal gently landing in the pond; after experiencing the waves of sorrow and joy, he ultimately let go of the worldly affairs ...

At this moment, Todd could only describe his movement as crawling through the weeds, finally arriving at the melon patch. Before long, he spotted a large, shiny black-skinned sweet melon. A wave of joy surged in his heart, easing his tense emotions somewhat. He did not forget to reach out and knock on it, producing a clear "dong dong dong" sound, reminiscent of a drum. It must be ripe, surely sweet and soothing to the throat, and Ling'er would definitely be delighted to see it.

Listening to Master Qian's rambling remarks, Xu Guangnian felt puzzled and thought that Master Qian was playing tricks on him. What does this legend of immortals have to do with the bandit troubles? However, the more Xu Guangnian listened, the more he felt he was grasping something important

Before the two could finish speaking, they were abruptly interrupted by the scholar's cold voice! The scholar glanced at the master, who was smiling at that moment, and then looked at the two who were puzzled and confused. Without saying another word, he immediately drove them out of the courtyard.

Upon hearing this, Xu Guangnian could not let it go and hurriedly retorted: "How can the Master belittle himself so? The Master’s literary talent is well-known and does not require further elaboration. The Master’s knowledge encompasses both astronomy and geography, is profoundly learned throughout the ages, and possesses wisdom that surpasses all. Compared to the Master, we are like frogs at the bottom of a well, only able to gaze up at the dust. If the talents of the world were measured in ten dou, the Master would humbly claim nine, leaving the rest for the scholars of the world to shamelessly claim one. If you are not a great sage, then who in this world dares to call themselves wise?" If you are not a great sage, then who in this world dares to call themselves wise?

Upon seeing this, he immediately became anxious and was about to speak again, but was stopped by the master who reached out to comfort him, saying: "There is no need to be so concerned. You have come this time, I presume, regarding the matter of the bandit threat"

Luo Yudon immediately showed a look of disdain, picked up a small clod of earth and threw it over, saying dismissively: "Senior Brother Tao, look at how cowardly you are... Earlier, in front of Sister Ling'er, who confidently patted their chest and vowed to pick a black-skinned sweet melon to quench her thirst?"

Master Qian pointed to a small bamboo stool beside him with his green bamboo fan and feigned invitation, saying: "So it is Governor Xu, I have been remiss, please take a seat, do sit down quickly."

Midsummer

As soon as Tao spoke, Luo Yu, who was crawling forward, turned back with a bright smile and did not deny it, saying: "Senior Brother Tao, I only mentioned that the melons in Uncle Liu's field are particularly delightful, and Sister Ling only said she was parched and could not bear it. Yet, it was you who volunteered to pick the melons. Well then, you do not appreciate that your junior brother accompanied you to face death... Oh no! I meant to say adventure, and yet you blame me instead? If you have the ability, go pick them by yourself, don’t involve me."

The gentle breeze caresses the willows, while the white dream rests among the courtyard bamboos

As soon as the Master finished speaking, he provoked the anger of the two scholars behind him. The two men saw that this old man did not even rise to pay his respects upon seeing their master, and his words were devoid of any respect, truly an impudent old fellow

Listening to Luo Yu's questioning words, Tao De's face turned red with embarrassment. Although he indeed made the promise himself, it was...!

Ke Luoyu looked at the astonished Tao De with a face full of disdain and said, "Senior Brother Tao, can we not be cowardly? Can we not just do it boldly once?"

Thus, he hurriedly stood up, paying his respects to the Master as a student, and spoke with utmost reverence: "I am truly incompetent; I see the common people suffering from the scourge of banditry, yet I am powerless to help them. I feel even more ashamed before my king. I hope the Master will not hesitate to teach me."

Upon hearing the words of the Master, Xu Guangnian could only shake his head and smile wryly once more, saying, "Master, please do not play riddles with your student. Is not this sage referring to yourself? You..."

As he spoke, Governor Xu slowly withdrew from the small courtyard, and then led the two individuals in the direction of the village entrance.

Seeing Luo Yu's confident expression and his assertive words, it seemed to make some sense. Tao De thought for a moment, then gritted his teeth and gathered his courage, crouching down and climbing up.

Upon hearing these words, Xu Guangnian understood that the Master had issued the 'order to dismiss guests.' Therefore, he respectfully bowed and said, "Thank you for your teachings, Master. I shall not disturb your rest any longer. I take my leave."

On the distant earthen slope of the lonely sea of tears, weeds grow amidst it

At this moment, the sea breeze gently blows, and the summer grass undulates in layers like waves, occasionally producing a rustling sound, which, when brushed against the face, becomes quite an unbearable itch

If the master is in good health, why speak of old age

Upon hearing the words of Governor Xu, the Master suddenly let out a hearty laugh

Looking at the visitor, Master Qian smiled and casually remarked, "Oh? In the twilight years of my old age, are you also, like me, experiencing blurred vision?"

"Sizzle~~"

However, the Master has clearly underestimated Governor Xu's determination to "seek talent as if parched for water"

Upon seeing Master Qian take the initiative to inquire, Xu Guangnian felt a surge of joy and quickly replied, "To be honest, Master, I have come here specifically to seek out talented individuals"

Regardless of the truth of the rumors, he can only treat a dead horse as if it were alive. Yet at this moment, this sole hope is visibly shattering, leaving him at a loss as to what to do

Looking at the distant melon field, Todd wore a worried expression and said with difficulty, "Xiao Yu, this, this doesn't seem very good, does it? If it gets discovered..."

The middle-aged scholar, upon witnessing this, quickly admonished, "Impudent! Do not hastily withdraw."

Just as he was about to retreat while holding the melon, he suddenly kicked something with his foot! Instantly, he was startled, and when he turned to look back, he saw that the scarecrow he had previously passed by was swaying unsteadily and eventually fell down slowly

"Master Tao, please hurry, it is currently the time for a midday break, and if you delay any longer, it will be too late!" The person speaking at this moment is naturally Luo Yu.

After the three departed, Master Qian slowly opened his dim eyes and, with a deep and distant tone, remarked: "It seems that what is destined to come will always arrive; this fledgling eagle must learn to soar on its own now..."

"Slowly swaying green bamboo, lying down dreaming by the bamboo fence. Picking hearts and hanging peach rainbows, gazing at leaves scattering in the gentle breeze... How old is this child? To have crafted such exquisite words, one cannot help but think that even that old scholar might feel inferior... Indeed, the student surpasses the master... Alas... old age!"

The middle-aged scholar, upon seeing this, adjusted his scholar's robe and respectfully said, "I am Xu Guangnian, the newly appointed governor of Qingqiu, here to pay my respects to Master Qian and to listen to your teachings."

After the two left, he turned and bowed deeply to the master, sincerely saying: "The servant is unrefined and lacks manners, I hope the master will not take offense."

As Tao Degang poked his head out, he was immediately stopped by Luo Yu, who pressed him down. After a moment, he pointed to a distant pavilion and whispered softly, "Shh~~ Be quiet!"

Upon hearing this, Luo Yu was infuriated! After all this effort, crawling around dry-mouthed and exhausted, was it just to accompany you for fun?

Upon thinking of this, Xu Guangnian quickly inquired, "Master, I have heard that each of your disciples is extraordinary and capable of bearing great responsibilities"