Muwa Gisun Section Nine

discourse 71

Haven’t you eaten yet?

I have already eaten.  A little while ago, two people came from the village, and we fed them together with one pot of food.  Now we are cooking once more.  After having eaten this time, I won’t need to eat this evening.

discourse 72

Where are you going?

I am going to the office.

What for?

I go there every day, regardless of whether there is business or not.

In that case, you had better hurry.  After you are done, from there drop by my house.  I have something I want to talk to you about.

If I don’t have the time, let’s make it tomorrow.

discourse 73

This year again there is news that there will be a complete inspection of weapons.  We armored soldiers need to take out and examine our helmets, swords, and arrows.  If anything is rusty, take it to the shop and have it polished.  If things like quivers, bowcases, portmanteaus, arrow cases, and saddle bags are broken or damaged, repair them.

discourse 74

We are all people who go out into the wild.  At home I’ve got a bunch of all the necessary things prepared in one bundle, like a saddle bag, bags, and saddle.  I can lend it to you for now.  When you come back from hunting, you can return it to me.

discourse 75

Choose one of these two bolts of silk.  As I see it, the plain one here is better than that colored one.  Take it in your hand, and feel it.  You can tell the difference in their weight.

discourse 76

From ancient times, all respect the sages.  It is said that the admonishing teachings that wise men have handed down and left behind are there especially so that people should know shame.  Is it possible that in your actions you ignore the principles in the books?  Is it possible that you do not think of rectifying your own personal actions?

discourse 77

A leopard’s head, with round eyes, tiger’s shoulders, and bear’s paws.  Truly, such a form and demeanor show courage and power.  He can play the flute and the qin, sing, dance – there is nothing he cannot do.  His stationary and mounted archery is good.  He has also learned a bit of calligraphy and painting.  Yet he has not a penny to his name, and his character is humble.

discourse 78

As for merit and fame, it’s all fate.  It’s not something that people can elude.  Yesterday I came in and when it was time for personal inspection, we each stood, one-two, in ranks.  Some of us thought there was an order to be at attention; those at the end who did not think so were cut.  Is that not fate?

discourse 79

We pooled our money to go on a trip.  Everyone brought out their money.  Only you tried to weasel out and were the one who did not go.  Let me explain why: You only know [how to count to] one, but not to two.  Living off the property left to you by your ancestors, you can just squander it.  But I was born like a mouse with sores on my tail.  How much do I have to waste?

discourse 80

Why is the horse neighing?

This horse is tied together with other horses in the same place every day.  He’s used to it.  Today he is there by himself, so he is neighing.

discourse 81

You look.  Some people can talk and write at the same time.  They get it all done without paying much attention.  You are still not even halfway through!

Don’t rush me.  You can’t compare standard writing with grass-script writing.  If you do it even a little crudely, it will be a waste.

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