If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1004 Different ways

"Master Yu, please wait!"

As the morning assembly ended and Xiaoyu was about to leave, she suddenly heard someone calling her from behind.

Looking back, he saw the Imperial Guard with his official tablet tucked into his waistband.

"What brings you here, Grand Commandant?" Xiao Yu asked.

The Imperial Guardian did not speak, but simply reached out and led her to the outer corridor of the palace.

The two stood on the stone railing of Zhangtai, gazing at the officials scattered in twos and threes, before descending the steps, crossing the Jinshui Bridge, and leaving Xianyang Palace.

Some ministers even secretly turned to look at the two of them.

"What has Master Yu been busy with lately? It's almost the New Year, and there's hardly anyone in Xianyang City. I was even planning to visit the Grand Tutor's residence to offer my New Year's greetings!" Guowei Liao said with a smile.

Xiao Yu said, "I have always been in Xianyang, at the Imperial Observatory."

The Grand Commandant sighed, “Although you are in Xianyang, the people, nobles, and officials in the city cannot see you.”

I'm curious about you and want to invite you, but I don't know how.

Grand Tutor Meng has already handed over the Grand Tutor's Mansion to you. Has the steward told you how many invitations you received during the New Year period?

Xiaoyu actually knows.

Xiao Linzi informed her.

She even declined invitations from the Holy Mother of Mount Hua, as well as tea parties, banquets, weddings, and funerals of the elite circles in Xianyang.
What appeal did those messy, time-consuming, and energy-draining party invitations have for her?

It would be better to spend more time reading in the library.

Or go to the Qinling Mountains to help the Qin Dynasty's dragon veins stretch their muscles and bones, and incidentally study the Nine Tripods of Yu the Great.

Given enough time, she could even elevate the "Human Emperor's Skill" to another level based on the Nine Cauldrons, or try to create a "Son of Heaven's Divine Skill".

But she thought "The Human Emperor's Skill" and "The Emperor's Divine Skill" were a waste of time and energy, so she didn't bother with them.

Is mingling in the elite circles of Xianyang more valuable than the "Human Emperor's Merit"?
"I am new here, but I am burdened with heavy responsibilities and dare not slack off in the slightest. I am busy every day and I really can't be in two places at once."

The Imperial Observatory slowly said, "The work of the Imperial Observatory is naturally very important."

However, the Heavenly Master Yu also needed to keep a close eye on matters of the imperial court.

You saw the attitude of the Empress Dowager and the ministers at today's court meeting.

If the ruler and his ministers of a country can work together with one heart, it will be very difficult for Heaven to make that country lose its mandate of Heaven.

The political divisions within the court are now extremely severe.

Perhaps this is a sign of a nation's impending doom.

If Master Yu wants to become Grand Tutor and make a difference in that position, he must take the initiative and make some changes.

Change yourself, and you will change the political situation.

You have already demonstrated your talent.

Many people recognize and admire you, have expectations of you, and want to get close to you.

If I were to summarize my reflections on witnessing the rise and fall of the first human dynasty over the past few centuries, it would be this: One person cannot change destiny; unity of purpose and concerted effort are destiny itself.

Xiao Yu was silent for a moment, then asked, "Does the Grand Commandant really believe that I can win over the entire court and get everyone to work together?"
You have seen the first emperor of all time, who accompanied him to sweep across the land, dominating the world, and even trying to rival the Heavenly Emperor.

No one in the world is more proud, more arrogant, or more difficult to change their deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes than you.

Not only the court officials, but also officials at all levels in Xianyang and even the Qin Dynasty, and even ordinary people.

People who have eaten plenty of meat and fish and are used to the beautiful scenery on the mountaintop will not be happy and satisfied by eating a bowl of mixed noodles halfway up the mountain.

"And at best, all I can do is feed them a bowl of scrap noodles."

The Qin Dynasty had indeed lost its Mandate of Heaven; with the death of the First Emperor, the nation was doomed.

But how does the Qin Dynasty of today compare to her great beauty in her previous life?

The United States is so corrupt, does that mean anyone can become emperor there?

In the struggle for the throne of the Great United States, a group of powerful and wealthy businessmen fought tooth and nail.
If the Great American Emperor goes mad, the entire Earth will descend into chaos and madness.

No matter how rotten the empire itself may be, as long as the empire exists, the power itself will never be considered rotten.

Power is always real and cherished, firmly held in the hands of those within the system.

Any slight change or reform that threatens vested interest groups will immediately be attacked by the masses.

She was an outsider, all alone, without any allies, not even as good as the Duke of Baoguo.

Although the Duke of Baoguo was also an outsider, he had been in the court for many years and had his own faction, making him deeply entrenched.

But he only slightly threatened the emperor's power, so what happened to him?
If she were to charge into the Qin court at this moment, she certainly wouldn't end up like the Duke of Baoguo.

Ultimately, the power belongs to her.

The problem is, why should she transfer her precious time and energy from her rapidly progressing cultivation to something that is destined to fail and whose success has little meaning for her?
"It's only natural for Master Yu to have these concerns. However, you don't need to worry at all."

The Imperial Guard stood up straight, his expression resolute, and said, "This old man is not talented, but I am willing to follow the lead of 'Grand Tutor Yu'."

Prime Minister Li and you only have a personal grudge.

Is he willing to risk everything for a personal grudge?
He won't!
When he sees that something is impossible, he will definitely back down.

Just like today, he strongly advocates for the open recruitment of Heavenly Masters, selecting the best to be appointed as Grand Tutors.

It's clear he already has someone in mind.

But he insisted that he was acting out of public interest, merely offering suggestions, and did not wish to directly challenge you.

Prime Minister Feng was devoted to public service and had become accustomed to having Prime Minister Li as his primary authority and to the assumption that Prime Minister Li was always right. He had become complacent and failed to adapt.

He will eventually realize that 'Grand Tutor Yu' is the only hope for the Great Qin.

At that time, he will surely follow your lead.

"If you fight for it, two and a half of the three dukes of Qin will obey your orders. What are you still hesitating about?"

Xiao Yu hesitated for a long time. Considering that Wei Liaozi, the "number one Yu fan," had already been so frank and even said that he would "follow his lead," it would be a bit insincere to continue to be perfunctory with him.

She said with a strange expression, "Actually, I don't need you to follow my lead. It would be better for me without you."

"What?" Guowei Liao was stunned.

Xiao Yu asked, "When does the Grand Commandant plan to leave Xianyang and completely escape from this rotten cesspool of Qin?"

"Why would you—" Guowei Liao looked awkward, avoiding her gaze, and mumbled, "As the Grand Commandant of Qin, what would I do if I were to leave Xianyang unless I were dismissed from my post?"

Xiaoyu sighed, "I don't like wasting my time and energy on power struggles."

I'm used to the political environment of the 'Prime Minister of Western Shu'.

Unfortunately, with you old men around, real power will never fall into my lap out of thin air.

Guowei Liao's emotions were boiling: Damn it, I thought you were refined and indifferent to competition, but I didn't expect you to think that power was too small and that you didn't bother to fight for it.

You can't even tolerate us, a group of powerful and prestigious veterans.

"No power falls into your lap out of thin air. Nor is any power free from checks and balances."

Xiaoyu said, "It will happen, as long as I wait patiently."

The Imperial Guard frowned and said, "When that time really comes, the power will be immediately abolished. What use will it be then?"

She was able to obtain "prime ministerial power" in Western Shu because Western Shu had suffered from demonic calamities for many years, and there was constant turmoil in various places, making the Li family's rule extremely precarious.

"Yu Zaiheng" was the best, but also the most unavoidable, choice.

All I can say is that the result is wonderful.

But the outcome could be even worse.

If she were to quietly cultivate herself in the Imperial Observatory and patiently wait, by the time the court officials all acknowledge her as "Grand Tutor Yu" and support her in leading them, the Qin Dynasty would surely be on the verge of collapse. Perhaps the rebel army would already have breached Hangu Pass. Would she still be able to turn the tide as the "Ancient Grand Tutor" then?

Nonsense.

The Qin Dynasty was not experiencing a demonic invasion.

Exterminating demons and saving the people is in accordance with the will of Heaven, like flowing with the current, naturally and smoothly; opposing the "true Son of Heaven" and protecting the dead dragon of the Great Qin is defying the will of Heaven, like swimming upstream against a waterfall, as difficult as climbing to heaven, and will also bring disaster upon oneself.

Xiao Yu asked, "Lord Grand Commandant, how long do you think this great calamity will last?"

Wei Liaozi paused for a moment, then shook his head and said, "I don't know."

"Let's guess," Xiaoyu insisted.

Wei Liaozi pondered and said, "Since the late emperor passed away, the great calamity of heaven and earth has begun, and ten years have passed since then."

There's at least another decade, maybe even two or three decades ahead.

Xiaoyu nodded slightly and smiled, "Ten years is enough."

“Enough for what?” Wei Liaozi asked.

—Enough to digest the Qin Dynasty's rich heritage that cannot be taken away, or rather, the rich heritage of China.

Her only expectation for Xianyang was this.

What do you mean by "turning the tide and ensuring the eternal stability of the Qin Dynasty"? That'll cost extra!
But can the Qin Dynasty, which has already drawn upon the resources of its former emperor, afford to add more?
Well, having gone through the "Grand Tutor Yu" incident, she dares not speak too definitively now.

As long as the benefits are great enough, she really doesn't care about defying fate.

Before witnessing the profound history of the Qin Dynasty, she regarded the title of "Grand Tutor of Qin" as a worthless cesspool; now that she has taken charge of the Imperial Observatory, she finds the title of "Grand Tutor of Qin" truly appealing.

If she sees greater benefits in the future, she might be willing to take the plunge.

Just like how she knew that interrogating immortals would ruin her reputation, but the benefits of interrogating immortals were too great.

A qualified hermit may not respect himself, but he must respect his interests.

Xiaoyu is a rogue cultivator, and can only "try not to forget righteousness when faced with great benefits".

"Enough to complete the westward relocation plan," Xiaoyu said.

Wei Liaozi frowned and said, "The westward relocation plan can be prepared in advance."

As the leader of the Qin Dynasty, Grand Tutor Yu should have greater ambitions.

You certainly have a lot of cards to play, and you have the ability to do even better.

What you need to do now is to seize as many of Qin's trump cards as possible while they are still in your possession.

Xiao Yu said, "My Lordship, believe it or not, the more fiercely I argue now, the less effective it might be than if I quietly wait for the most appropriate time to enter."

You old fogies, you're famous and powerful. Fighting with you has exhausted me and made the situation even worse.

I'd rather let you do whatever you want.

The demise of the Qin Dynasty was ordained by Heaven.

Sooner or later you will all run out of time and energy. When you no longer have the mind or the opportunity to cause trouble, the positions in the court will naturally become vacant.

At that time, the people of Qin will all come to realize a reality: "If Grand Tutor Yu does not appear, what will become of the common people?"

Faced with the desperate cries of the people, I will once again serve as the 'Prime Minister of Qin,' and try my best to secure a few more years of stability.

Wei Liaozi was speechless and frustrated.

He said sullenly, "Do you think that the Qin Dynasty has fallen to its current state because of us?"

I am known as one of the "Four Sages of Military Strategists" alongside Sun Tzu, Wu Qi, and Sun Bin.

Li Si was the greatest synthesizer of Legalism. He fully deserves to be called a "famous prime minister throughout the ages."

Feng Quji was steady and shrewd, with extremely rich experience in governance.

Although he is not well-known, this is precisely his strength.

As the Right Chancellor, he was able to tolerate the Left Chancellor being more famous and flamboyant than himself. What a magnanimous spirit that was!

The ballast stone of the Qin Dynasty was Prime Minister Feng.

Our combination is so unique that it would be difficult to find another example like it in humanitarian history.

In your mouth, it has become a burden to the Qin Dynasty?

Xiao Yu bowed respectfully to him and said with a smile, "I wonder what works Master Wei Liaozi has that would make this junior bow down in reverence?"

Wei Liaozi glanced at her, reached into his sleeve and rummaged around for a while before taking out a book rolled up into a tube.

Xiao Yu received it with both hands, bowed respectfully, and unfolded it to see the three large characters "Wei Liao Zi" written on the cover.

Wei Liaozi said, "This military treatise is only the general outline. I have also compiled thirty-six volumes of military strategy and seventy-two military formations. If Grand Tutor Yu is interested, he can go to the Grand Commandant's secret archives to take a closer look."

"May I have this book as a gift? I'd like to take it back and read it at my leisure," Xiaoyu asked.

Wei Liaozi hesitated and said, "Giving it to you is no problem, but you will have to give it away in the future."

Don't let it gather dust in the library, lest it sever my legacy.

“Yes, I promise to give it to the future exceptional talents.” Xiaoyu put the book away first, her attitude becoming even more sincere, and said, “It is precisely because you are all once-in-a-millennium talents that I have chosen to wait quietly.”

Instead of rushing to fight you for power.

If you are mediocre, it is easy to suppress you, the cost is low, and there will be little internal friction.

My choice at this moment is precisely out of respect and reverence for you.

Of course, you are not a burden to the Qin Dynasty.

However, times have changed, and your era and destiny have passed.

"Haven't I made myself clear? I am willing to follow your lead and let your Grand Tutor be above the Three Dukes," said Wei Liaozi.

"It's not that I don't understand, it's that I understand too well, while you, sir, don't. The Grand Tutor you promoted must naturally conform to your understanding and expectations in his words and deeds; in essence, he is still a continuation of your power."

Take the Empress Dowager and Lao Ai as an example.

You have been able to tolerate the Empress Dowager for so long, which must be because of the long-standing friendship you have built over the past few hundred years.

Especially since she was the biological mother of the emperor.

For the sake of the late emperor, you must grit your teeth and tolerate some of her outrageous actions.

Although I was appointed Grand Tutor by her, I am only responsible to the Great Qin.

She dared to disobey me, so I slapped her across the face and sent her back to the Cold Palace to study 'Qi Shadow Technique' that very day, while another prince was chosen to sit in that chair.

Xiaoyu stared intently at the astonished Guowei Liao, "This is how I do things. Can you tolerate it? You can't!"

You have lived through the reign of the human emperor; you will never truly follow the lead of a foreign junior like me.

—If you can truly tolerate me, you must have ulterior motives.

She did indeed suspect that Wei Liaozi had impure intentions, just like Meng Qi.

The Grand Commandant pointed at her with some fear, "You, you have no heart for a subject!"

Xiao Yu shook his head and said, "No, it's just that my way of being a subject is different from yours."

You are the ruler's subjects, I am the subject of the state and the people.

Different road non-phase plan!

I'll enter after you've all left.

Saving the Qin Dynasty is impossible, but it shouldn't be difficult to let it hold onto the Guanzhong region and prolong its existence for a few more years.

(End of this chapter)