บท 21: A fateful Encounter
KouRyu PoV
It is often said that fate works in mysterious ways. Fate can connect two people living in different corners of a country or even the world. Their encounter would be the accumulation of hundreds and thousands of small actions and their consequences, leading up to that specific moment. It is quite wonderful to watch.
Even my death, my loss of legs, or even the neglect of my parents—all of that led me to that exact moment that I was struck by lightning and brought here in this world. Maybe the same fate had led me to meet this young boy in front of me.
It was another busy day in the beginning of the year 254 BCE. I was preparing for the upcoming Chu campaign. I was walking by the tavern after visiting the barracks when I heard a kid arguing with the shopkeeper. I got curious and went to check it out.
A small boy of about 8 years was arguing with the shopkeeper about the price of food. The boy was saying that he had a bet with the guy who just left and that he was supposed to pay for his food. He left without paying, so the shopkeeper was asking for money from the boy. The boy looked malnourished but had some etiquette, showing he was probably from a good background that hit hard times.
I gestured to my guards to catch the guy who just left, walked up to the boy, and asked, "You claim you had a bet with the person who just left and you won; in return, he was going to pay for your meal?"
The boy puffed up his chest and said, "Yes, handsome uncle, that smelly guy scammed me after he said he would pay for my meals if I could answer his questions."
I got more curious and asked, "What were the questions he asked?"
The boy acted smug and said, "I won't fall for the same trick twice, mister. I won't answer anything before getting paid first."
I broke out laughing at hearing the little guy's reply. The shopkeeper intervened and smacked the kid on the head, saying, "Shut your mouth, you little snotty kid! This is Lord Kou Ryu, the ruler of Changan and your liege lord. Be respectful."
He bowed to me and spoke, "Sorry, my lord, this kid is trying to trick us and get away without paying. I'll find his parents and tell them you don't need to worry about this."
I just dismissed him and said, "No problem; I'll get the other guy to pay for his meal once my guards bring him back." At that moment, the guards brought back a shady-looking drunkard with them. At first glance, I straightened myself and got alert, as this person might look ordinary, but he is special.
The drunken and unkept look couldn't hide the glimmer of intelligence in his eyes. He is definitely a scholar and not from Qin, after closely judging his face and clothes. He also seemed to know me but he tried to hide his reaction. I noticed the hint of surprise and recognition in his eyes. Most likely, he is a spy or mercenary.
The drunk asked politely, "What is wrong, my lord? Why was I brought here? I have already paid for my drink and haven't done anything that might warrant your concern."
I smirked and replied, "You scammed a little kid; that's not something an adult should do. You lost a bet and you were supposed to pay for the kids meal. "
A hint of realization struck him as he looked at the smug-looking kid flipping him off while standing beside me. He got pissed and yelled, "That little bastard is lying, my lord. I never agreed to pay. He came to me, saying he could answer any question after treating him to a full meal. I said he couldn't, and then he said to go ahead and ask him first. I just jokingly asked something, and he said some stupid things, so I just left. I never agreed to pay for his meal."
The kid jumped up and pointed his finger at the guy, yelling, "You drunk old man asked me a question and got an answer, so you have to pay for it. Is there a free sample in this world? Who told you to ask things if you can't pay for it, you smelly old beggar? " Ptui, He spat at the guy.
The drunkard also got angry and yelled, "Well, your answer is wrong, you little thief! I never saw a more hateful kid in my life before." To which the boy just mocked him.
I was smiling at the funny skit these two were performing and clapping. They looked at me as I spoke, "What question did you ask him and what did the kid answer? Based on his answer, I'll judge who's wrong."
The drunkard hesitated, eyeing the boy with a mix of frustration and curiosity, before turning back to me. "Very well, my lord. First, I asked him a question about the three kingdoms of Qin, Qi, and Chu. I asked him to name the rulers of each kingdom during the Warring States period that started after Qi conquest. "
The boy crossed his arms, a triumphant look on his face. "And I answered correctly! I said that Qin was ruled by King Zhaoxiang, Qi by King Min, and Chu by King Huai."
The drunkard scoffed. "That's only partially correct. King Huai of Chu was captured and replaced by King Qingxiang, and King Min of Qi was deposed by King Jian. He gave outdated information!"
I looked at the boy, whose face was now turning red with embarrassment. "Is this true, young man? Did you not know the rulers of the kingdoms at that time?"
The boy fidgeted, looking down at his feet. "Well, I knew some of it, but I got confused. But it's not fair! I was close enough, wasn't I?"
I chuckled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Knowledge is valuable, young one, but accuracy is crucial. In matters of learning and wisdom, we must strive for precision."
The drunken scholar hesitated for a moment, then said, "Since he didn't accept he was wrong, then I asked him another question, 'What is the weight of a single grain of rice?'"
The boy immediately responded, "And I answered that the weight of a single grain of rice is nothing compared to the weight of one's promise!"
There was a moment of silence as everyone processed the boy's answer. The scholar's face turned red with both frustration and embarrassment, while the boy stood proudly, his chest puffed out and a smug grin on his face.
I couldn't help but laugh at the boy's cleverness. "That's quite a profound answer for someone so young," I said, looking at the boy with newfound respect. "It seems to me that this young lad won the bet fair and square."
The scholar grumbled but didn't argue further. He reluctantly reached into his pocket and pulled out a few coins, handing them to the shopkeeper. "Fine, here is the money for the boy's meal," he said.
The boy beamed with triumph and looked up at me. "Thank you, handsome uncle," he said. "You're a fair and just ruler."
And as for you," I said, turning to the scholar, "you should know better than to make promises you don't intend to keep. Whether you're a scholar, a spy, or a simple drunk, integrity matters."
The scholar bowed his head in acknowledgment. "Yes, my lord. I will remember that."
I continued, "You also should have clarified the terms of your bet more carefully. A child's understanding is different from an adult's, especially in matters of history and politics. However, you did take advantage of his naivety, which is not honorable."
The drunkard bowed his head, "I apologize, my lord."
I nodded. "Good. Let this be a lesson for both of you. Knowledge should be shared with kindness and humility, not used to deceive or belittle."
The shopkeeper, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes, finally relaxed and nodded. "Yes, my lord. Thank you for resolving this matter."
I asked the drunkard, "What's your name? You are certainly no ordinary scholar. You have a certain wisdom and cunning in you."
He looked at me with a piercing gaze and replied, "Will you promise to let me go after I say my name?"
I smiled and nodded. He bowed with curtesy and replied, "It is an honor to meet an outstanding person such as you, General KouRyu, the Heavenly Dragon General. My name is Guo Jia, and I am a humble scholar from Han. As for spying, I just came to enjoy the great wines of Changan, nothing else. "
I was surprised but replied, " You are lucky you met me and not some other general of Qin. They would arrest you immediately after speaking your name, wine minister Guo Jia of Han King's court. I have heard of your prowess. " He curtsied at my response. We did not speak more. As he paid for the boy's meal, I leaned down to the child. "What is your name, young one?"
He looked up at me with bright eyes. "My name is Feng, Bai Feng."
"Feng, you have a sharp mind and a brave heart. Use them wisely, and you will go far." I smiled at him, then turned to leave, my guards falling in step behind me. Guo Jia also left, leaving a parting sentence: "The balance is being broken; soon we will face each other in a different manner. I wish you good fortune in the wars to come."
I calmly replied, "To you as well; hopefully one day we can share some wine and talk about this land of ours."
As I walked away, I couldn't help but think about how fate had brought us all together in that moment. The boy Bai Feng, the drunken strategist Guo Jia, and myself were all connected by a series of events that led us to this encounter. It was a reminder that every action, no matter how small, can ripple through time and space, creating connections and opportunities in the most unexpected ways.
8 years have gone by since then, and soon the destined king will take his throne. Bai Feng, who I took in, was actually the last living son of Bai Qi's concubine. It seems fate really is a curious thing. Historically, there was no mention of this young prodigy; maybe he passed away before he could truly shine.
But now, He is a general under myself. At only 18 years old, he has become general capable enough to lead thousands of troops. I put him in charge of the Spartans on a whim. With his talents, he managed to surpass my expectations. I guess, being the son of the greatest Qin general, he must have inherited his father's talents.
In the future, the name of General Bai Feng would resound through the Middle Kingdom as he accompanied General KouRyu to conquer all of China, surpassing even the accomplishments of his father and proving himself. His tales would be told alongside his father's feats, further cementing the reputation of the Bai family in the history of Qin.
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Virtuosso
Virtuosso I am not really in the mood to write currently. I will try to update whenever I can.
There is a genocide going on in Bangladesh right now where many of my friends live. The country is currently under curfew and has no internet or network,so can't even contact them. I am worried that some of my friends might not even be alive.
I alrready got news that the younger brother of a friend of mine died in the protest. I hope they get justice, and the violence is ended.
The world is really a messed up place.
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