Tao Yuanming returned to Xunyang Chai Sang and worked the fields, but before long, an imperial edict arrived from Jiankang, appointing him Pengze County Magistrate.
"Pengze County Magistrate..."
Tao Yuanming looked at the edict, then asked Verdant Green Maiden, "Goddess, do you think I should accept the appointment?"
Hearing this, Verdant Green Maiden laughed. "Why ask me? If you want me to make every decision for you, I might as well live your life in your place. What would I need you for?"
Her words made good sense. Tao Yuanming sighed and nodded. "That's true..."
"Alas!"
Seeing him like this, Verdant Green Maiden sighed.
"Take care of yourself. I'm leaving. If you're still alive in a few years, I'll come back to see you."
Tao Yuanming was taken aback. He looked at Verdant Green Maiden and asked, "Have I disappointed you, Goddess?"
Verdant Green Maiden smiled and shook her head. "No! I never had any expectations of you, so how could I be disappointed? Tao Yuanliang, remember this: not everything in the world will go your way. Life is unsatisfactory nine times out of ten. Don't force yourself, understand?"
Tao Yuanming nodded and cupped his hands toward Verdant Green Maiden. "Thank you for your advice, Goddess. Yuanming will remember it."
After parting with Tao Yuanming, Verdant Green Maiden and Old Yellow Ox set off on their journey once more.
She left the fields in Tao Yuanming's care.
He still accepted the appointment as Pengze County Magistrate.
One day, however, when Tao Yuanming came to the fields, he saw a Red Clothed Woman standing between the furrows. She was silent. She glanced back at him, then transformed into a Qing Niao and flew away!
Tao Yuanming's eyes flew wide. He rubbed them and stared up at the sky. "How strange... Was