At Zhang Fei's question, Liu Bei didn't answer right away. He glanced at Shi Lan and changed the subject.
"Miss Shi Lan, your cultivation is impressive. May I ask which renowned master of our age you studied under?"
"I came from overseas. My master is not well known in the Nine Provinces. I've come here to travel and temper my martial arts."
Shi Lan had prepared for questions like this long ago and thought of what to say. In this world, countless immortal mountains and islands lay overseas, where reclusive masters practiced in seclusion. That was perfectly normal. Besides, her background in the Nine Provinces was a blank slate. Even if Liu Bei investigated her, he wouldn't find a trace.
With nothing to turn up, there was no way to prove she was lying.
At her answer, Liu Bei smiled faintly. Whether he believed her or not, he didn't press the matter. Instead, he asked, "May I ask if you're married?"
"?"
A question mark surfaced in Shi Lan's mind, and her brows drew together. Asking something like that at a first meeting was clearly rather rude.
"Please don't misunderstand, Miss."
Liu Bei shook his head, his smile growing warmer.
"My sons may not be dragons and phoenixes among men, but they do have their merits, and none of them are married. If you don't mind, you could meet them and see whether any of them suit your fancy."
"I appreciate the kindness, but I have no plans to start a family."
Shi Lan's expression cooled. She clearly didn't want to say more on the subject.
"I was too forward, especially at our first meeting."
Liu Bei laughed heartily, stepped down from the jade dais, and took a gray booklet from his sleeve. He set it on the table in