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

Chapter 1494 Spy Peony Sister
Compared to last year, Grand Tutor Yu was much more relaxed at the end of the year this year.

Two days after returning to Xianyang, she finished handling all the official business and, once she had some free time, she brought Sister Shaoyao over.

"Why didn't Chi Miao come?" Just like last year, Fat Moller hung a long row of lanterns outside the Grand Tutor's Mansion to guide the "ghost carriage" of Peony from the underworld to the mortal world.

Just like last year, she was accompanied by ghosts and spirits from the underworld and the City God of Xianyang, who escorted her to the gate of the Grand Tutor's Mansion.

This time, however, only Peony and her maid Cui Rong were there, carrying large and small bags filled with "local specialties from hell," but Xiao Yu's godson Chi Miao was missing.

"Your invitation came earlier this year than last year. There are still about ten days until Lunar New Year's Eve. Unlike me, he is an idle person and cannot be 'absent from work' for almost a month."

He'll come over for a reunion dinner during the Lunar New Year.

Peony followed her into the inner courtyard and explained after sitting down.

She looked at Xiaoyu with surprise. "Why aren't you busy this year? Even in the underworld, I often hear news about you. Logically speaking, you should have a lot of worries this year."

"What do I have to worry about?" Grand Tutor Yu grabbed a handful of garlic peanuts, peeled them, and ate them leisurely, laughing as he ate. "If I weren't worried about being targeted by the Western demon gods and demon kings, I would like to go back to Tianmen Town, pick up my dried black fish and Er Gouzi, celebrate the New Year together, and broaden their horizons."

It wouldn't be difficult for her to return to Tianmen Town. Bringing Doctor Min to Xianyang and treating him well, letting him enjoy the luxury and glory of being the "teacher of the Grand Tutor," would not only be easy but also very fulfilling.

Just thinking about it makes me incredibly happy.

Unfortunately, she is now at the eye of the storm in the Three Realms—the center of the Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth.

It was easy for her to pick up and drop off Doctor Min and Er Gouzi, but once they returned to Tianmen Town, tens of thousands of miles away from her, with no one to look after them, they were targeted by evil spirits and monsters who hated her but were powerless to retaliate, and even powerful immortals from the Xuanmen sect. In the end, they were killed, and she was filled with regret.

“Even if I can’t bring them here for the New Year, after the Lantern Festival, I will find a time when it’s not too conspicuous to go back to Tianmen Town and quietly pay my respects to my teacher, Doctor Min, on his belated New Year,” Grand Tutor Yu added.

Peony looked worried and said, "I heard that there are already thirteen rebel kings in the Central Plains. Aren't you worried? Last year there was only one Chen Sheng and one King of Qi."

This year, Xiang Liang, the leader of the Xiang family in the south, is more powerful than Chen Sheng and the King of Qi combined.

Last time I went to Fudi to attend a gathering of great esteemed people, I had the good fortune to meet Doctor Song. He was extremely excited, singing loudly and gesturing wildly, declaring that Xiang Liang was the master of the "Eastern Emperor's Aura," and that he would soon overthrow the Qin Dynasty, avenge the Chu people, and restore the true Chu state.

"Which Doctor Song?" Xiaoyu asked casually.

"Song Yu, a minister of the State of Chu, is the most handsome of the four great beauties in China." Peony's cheeks were flushed. She stretched her neck and leaned close to Xiaoyu, whispering with a gossipy look, "It's not an exaggeration at all. He is fair-skinned, with delicate eyebrows, big eyes, a prominent nose, and red lips. He is exceptionally handsome."

Earlier, when I met Lord Dongfang Shuo at Yingxiang Mansion, I was already amazed by his extraordinary talent.

But after arriving in China, he realized that there is always someone better, and Doctor Song was the unparalleled peak, elegant and extraordinary. Alas, he is now old and has lost the peerless charm of his youth.

"Yes, that's what Fei Yan said. I simply can't imagine how handsome he must have been when he was young."

"Song Yu?" Xiao Yu unconsciously entered "Grand Tutor Yu's mindset," adopted "Grand Tutor Yu's tone," curled her lips, and showed a disdainful look on her face. "Sister Shaoyao saw him in the underworld? I didn't expect him to be so down and out that he couldn't even get a spot as an immortal."

Peony nodded quickly and said, "He is an immortal. He serves as the 'Cultivation Ambassador' in the blessed land of Juzhang River. I did not meet him in the underworld. I was invited to the blessed land of King Zhuang of Chu to serve as a musician and perform for you noble guests."

"A mere ghost immortal from a blessed land is hardly worthy of respect. Qu Yuan, another talented scholar from Chu, could frequently meet the Holy Emperor after visiting the Fire Cloud Cave!"

Even if they can't become 'sages' who can enter the Fire Cloud Cave, they should at least get a minor official position in the Heavenly Court.

"Even King Zhuang of Chu wouldn't be worthy of making you a musician!" Xiaoyu frowned.

Peony said somewhat urgently, "Don't think or say that! You are now the Grand Tutor of Shenzhou, and your power shakes the Three Realms. Of course you can look down on musicians, or even King Zhuang."

But I am different from you. For me, playing music for King Zhuang is not only not a disgrace, but a great honor.

Do you remember? When you came to see me last year, you happened to meet Zhang Huasheng, Master Shi Kuang, and the others gathered at the 'Thousand Sounds Palace'. There was Bo Ya, Shi Juan, the Fairy Jinghong, and many other musical masters.

There were also goddesses and concubines such as Xi Shi, Li Ji, Xia Ji, and Qi Jiang.

They went to the Hengshan Divine Palace to congratulate the old Grand Commandant on his promotion to 'Great God of Hengshan'.

I was so envious back then!
Thanks to you, I finally got a job as the pianist in the band through connections.

Playing with legendary sages made me happier than ascending to heaven.

If it weren't for your invitation, I wouldn't have been idle during the Chinese New Year.

They would follow them from house to house, playing music to celebrate the New Year for the immortals in the blessed land.

After listening attentively to her, Xiaoyu, setting aside her "Master Yu's mindset," immediately felt happy and proud for Sister Peony.

"You didn't rely on connections or back channels; you finally got your chance, and you've risen to prominence!"

Peony was a little embarrassed and said, "You don't need to comfort me, I know my own limitations."

They had never invited me before, before receiving your invitation.

In the few times we met, I had to shamelessly sneak over and ask the zither master for guidance on my playing skills.

As a result, I received your invitation last year and even attended various poetry gatherings and banquets in Xianyang. As soon as I returned to the blessed land of the underworld, many distinguished guests came to visit me.

Their attitude towards me was so respectful that I felt like a great VIP from the Central Plains, which made me feel uneasy for a long time.

Every visitor wore an expression that could be described as one of reverence.

Peony glanced at Grand Tutor Yu, her expression turning somewhat strange. "They all inquired about my experiences at the Grand Tutor's mansion with great reverence, and asked about your situation, what kind of person you are, and what your past was like. After confirming our relationship, they were especially polite to me."

Grand Tutor Yu was somewhat skeptical, "My reputation in Shenzhou isn't very good."

Peony thought to herself: You do have some self-awareness! When they talk about you, it's as if they're describing an "unspeakable demon." Their faces are so cautious, apprehensive, and fearful that they're like soot from the bottom of a pot that you could scrape off.

"It's not as bad as you think. You've only ever offended the great immortals, never bothered the lesser immortals or gods for no reason. You've also been diligent and conscientious, turning the tide when things were about to fall. Many ghosts in the underworld and blessed lands greatly admire you, really," said Peony.

Fear and respect are separated by only a thin line. Moreover, Grand Tutor Yu is currently portrayed as a "red-faced powerful minister," not a "white-faced treacherous minister."

In the general public, her reputation is actually better.

"Oh dear, we were talking about important matters in the Central Plains, and now we've wandered off to who knows where!" Peony slapped her forehead, looking annoyed.

Grand Tutor Yu said, "There's no need to talk about the mess in the Central Plains. Tell me about your past experiences; I'd like to hear them."

If she really wanted to hear about the major events of the dynastic struggle, why would she need to invite Sister Peony?

If you summon Li Si and the others, they can talk on and on for days.

"I'm not in a position to comment on the affairs of the Central Plains, but there are a few things I've happened to hear about. I can tell you about them, and they might be of some help to you."

Peony's tone became serious as she said, "You know about Doctor Song's status and position. It was at the banquet held at King Zhuang of Chu's blessed land, where many of Chu's nobles had gathered."

Do you think he'd talk nonsense or make baseless accusations?

Xiaoyu raised an eyebrow. "No matter how good Xiang Liang's reputation is or how powerful he is, he still shares the surname 'Xiang' and is not a descendant of the royal family of Chu."

Why did Song Yu excitedly proclaim "Xiang Liang is the true Son of Heaven!" before King Zhuang of Chu?

Peony said, "Song Yu's cheers were indeed not recognized by everyone."

Lord Jingcha, one of the four great poets of Chu, rebuked him in court, saying he did not understand hierarchy and etiquette.

She looked around furtively, like a thief, before lowering her voice and continuing, "If I'm not mistaken, the situation in the Central Plains of Chu will change drastically next year or the year after."

At present, Xiang Liang Gong is the most powerful, but he is not a member of the royal family of Chu.

The physician Song believed that the most important thing was to restore the state of Chu, and that it was impossible to force a descendant of the old Chu royal family to become the 'King of Chu'.

He meant that we must obey fate.

The Mandate of Heaven rests on the master of the 'Southeast Emperor's Aura'.

Jingcha insisted that Jingju was the true master of the Southeast Emperor's Qi.

They argued endlessly until King Zhuang of Chu finally stopped them and took Xiang Yan to the inner palace for a private talk.

I reckon that the old Chu royal family hoped that Xiang Liang could follow in the footsteps of his father, Xiang Yan, and continue to serve the Chu royal family.

However, Xiang Liang was a hero of his time, possessing the aura of an emperor in the southeast, and would never submit to Jing Ju.

Either next year or the year after, when their territories collide, a life-or-death battle is inevitable.

Xiaoyu asked in surprise, "Did you come up with this yourself, or did you hear someone else's analysis?"

The analysis has gone far beyond the scope of mere village gossip.

Peony was secretly pleased, but feigned displeasure on her face. "Why are you so surprised? After what I saw at King Zhuang of Chu's banquet, isn't it only natural that I would make these connections?"

Xiaoyu sighed, "With your intelligence and talent, Sister Shaoyao, you could easily become a high-ranking official in the capital. How about I have Huhai appoint you as a 'official'?"

"Are you making fun of me?" Peony glared at her.

Xiao Yu laughed and said, "I'm telling the truth. It's normal for the emperor to bestow titles on deceased people."

To say nothing of the distant past, wasn't Guoweiliao designated as the 'Sage of War'? He even has a divine tablet.

"Giving you the title of 'doctor' might allow you to build temples and erect statues, successfully gaining entry into the divine path!"

Peony waved her hand and said, "The Grand Commandant is renowned throughout the land, so it is only right that he received a title from the court."

I was unknown, yet I was forcibly granted this title. I couldn't bear the criticism from others.

I'm doing just fine in this blessed land now, and I don't need any of this nonsense.

The reason I eavesdropped on King Zhuang of Chu and his group was because I was worried about you.

I have a feeling that the former king of Chu will definitely make a big move.

She paused, then looked thoughtful. "The infighting between the Chu ruler and his ministers, on the surface, seems to benefit the Qin state."

But Dr. Song once said something that I remember very well.

He said that if destiny was in Xiang Liang's hands, any schemes or obstructions would only hasten its fulfillment. Because they are not Yu Fengxian, nor are you; you can defy fate, but they are subject to destiny.

Their schemes and obstructions are all part of destiny.

It would be better to follow the will of Heaven and accept the fate of the dynasty, so that the descendants of the King of Chu could still have their own fiefdoms in the new dynasty and continue the ancestral temple's incense offerings.

Upon hearing this, several Kings of Chu changed their expressions and questioned him about whose advocate he was acting as.

I suspect that Doctor Song might have actually listened to the words of a potential Grand Luo and acted as an advocate before the former king of Chu.

He also suggested that the former kings of Chu learn from the practices of the former kings of Qin.

Didn't the First King of Qin entrust the fate of the Ying clan to you, strengthen your destiny, make everything you do go smoothly, keep your mind clear and agile, and prevent you from being tainted by the evil spirits?

If the former king of Chu entrusted the remaining fortune of Chu to Xiang Liang, and Xiang Liang became the 'Son of Heaven' and dominated the Central Plains, he would then enfeoff the Chu lands to the descendants of the Chu royal family.

He not only avenged the State of Chu but also restored it, continuing the bond between ruler and subject established by their ancestors.

Peony Sister said confidently, "Dr. Song is clearly speaking up for someone else! However, what he said makes a lot of sense, but few people actually listened to it."

I feel that the former king of Chu did indeed want to emulate the former king of Qin, and wanted to gather together to discuss how to concentrate the fortune of Chu into one person.

Instead of the current situation, where first Ge Ying promoted Xiang Qiang, then Chen Sheng usurped the name and fortune of the Chu state, and now Jing Ju and Xiang Liang Gong are locked in a standoff.

The royal family and nobles of Chu have squandered their own fortune, only to benefit others.

Xiaoyu was genuinely surprised. "How can you overhear everything? Aren't you a musician? It's as if you've sneaked out to eavesdrop outside King Zhuang of Chu's private chamber."

Peony said with a complicated expression, "Have you forgotten my identity? The Prince of Qinghe trained me and taught me secret techniques so that I could help him curry favor with the Immortal Master and gather intelligence."

Although I was playing the zither, my ears were perked up, and I was also observing King Zhuang of Chu and the Song official out of the corner of my eye.

Sometimes they spoke in hushed tones, and I could vaguely sense it by circulating my inner energy.

I can tell what they're saying just by looking at their lips.

Moreover, King Zhuang of Chu and his entourage seemed to have little suspicion of us. It's also possible they were acting impulsively and argued in front of outsiders.

At this point, she sighed again, "However, it seems that Le Sheng and the others did not notice the quarrel among the nobles of Chu."

They were so engrossed in the music and dance that they forgot about themselves and the world.

I am but a charlatan, a mere imposter, still distracted and unable to reach the pinnacle of musical mastery.

Xiao Yu said, "You are concerned about me and worried about me, which is why you are distracted. If it weren't for the fact that what King Zhuang of Chu was talking about happened to be related to me, you would definitely be like the other music sages, immersed in your own music."

(End of this chapter)