"Oh," was all the old man could manage, as his gaze shifted between the man and his daughter. He wasn't really shocked by the news. In fact, it was a relief for the people of Zhaoge that the man hadn't dallied in hiring a tutor for his daughter. The girl had put his sense of responsibility in doubt to this point. But it was no matter, while slightly depressed, it was nice to know that he was not needed here. "Well, i don't know that I could, your grace."Xiang Zhuang wrote:Xia Xi had been speaking with an aide when his daughter and Li Ning arrived. He gave his daughter a warm smile and regarded the elder man with a nod. "Hmmm," he said, "I did not know my daughter had any interest in poetry. The only arts I've seen her engage in are the more martial ones. But perhaps it might keep her off of the training grounds a bit."
He thought for a moment. "Regardless, I have already hired an adviser for my daughter recently. I would want to know that you could provide other services than just this. My payroll is a tight one, and I cannot frivolously spend on my daughter as I used to be able to." He gave her a bit of a frown.
Shaking his head, Li Ning had to stifle a chuckle at the embarrassing moment. He could well have been another ten miles towards home now, had he not gotten on that carriage. He too, turned and frowned at the girl. Breaking into another smile, he held his hands out in a helpless gesture. "I am a scribe of little talent, and a poet of even less fame, Lord Xia. I am old, and learned, yes. But I am unable at this age to carry myself from town to village, and to and fro, and whip troops into shape. I can manage books, and I can write them, but beyond that, I am not sure there is aplace in your service for me."