Chapter 464: Words Within Words
Across the tea table, Tang Xiaoshuang’s jade-like hands danced gracefully up and down as the teacup in her grip spun continuously in her palm. With a light stretch of her fingers, she placed two cups of tea in front of County Magistrate Luan and Lin Fan.
"I’ve lived for fifty years, and only now have I understood a bit about life," said County Magistrate Luan as he held the teacup, watching the misty steam rise, his face displaying a hint of helplessness.
"When I was young, working at the grassroots, I always thought that if I ever rose to power, I would be a good official. But after entering the officialdom, I realized that there are no good people here, just constant backstabbing, false flattery to your face and ready to stab you in the back the moment you turn around. You try to do good but face obstacles at every turn, and while the wicked are feared and obeyed. So, tell me, is this world too absurd, or are people just naturally like this?"
"Perhaps, the world has always been like this."
Through the promotion of Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation, Lin Fan had also seen the darker side of human nature that cannot be faced directly.
"Yes, the world has always been like this: murderers wear golden belts, while those who repair bridges and roads remain nameless. It’s hard to be a good person in this world, and yet the wicked are respected, honored with banners and praise. People do this in hope the bad won’t harm them, but they are harsh on the good. For the slightest dissatisfaction, they turn cold in an instant. In the long run, who would want to be good?"
County Magistrate Luan drank his tea, a smile of resignation on his face. Such a gesture might be normal coming from others, for life is unpredictable, and everyone has their trials and tribulations. However, for County Magistrate Luan, who was about to go for further studies and promotion, it seemed a bit out of place.
"Fortunately, I don’t consider myself a good person."