Searching for the Cup of Jade in the Peach Blossoms - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Imperial Tutor Pei, Pei Xun, was a name I’d heard many times.

He was the most mysterious person in the State of Qi, and rumors about him were always circulating in the streets.

But aside from the twice-yearly sacrificial ceremonies, Pei Xun never appeared in public.

The last time I saw him was half a year ago. He had stood on the altar with his hands clasped behind his back, his figure tall and straight, his slender, pale fingers as smooth and delicate as mutton-fat jade.

Though a veil covered his face, the pair of eyes he revealed was enough to steal one’s soul. Within them seemed to lie a deep orchid-blue lake, one that could draw a person’s very spirit straight into its depths.

But why would such a legendary figure…

come to the General’s Mansion today?

Caitang and I exchanged a glance, nodded at the same time, and slowed our steps.

“Come on. Let’s go take a look.”

Pei Xun was someone who preferred peace and quiet. Because of his arrival, Ying Shuyuan had dismissed all the maids and manservants from the front courtyard, so sneaking in went extremely smoothly for me.

As I drew closer to the front hall, a refreshing scent of green bamboo drifted over. Even from a distance, I could see that jade-white figure sitting upright inside.

As for my father, who was sitting across from him, I chose to pretend I couldn’t see him.

I hid myself a little farther behind the tree. I didn’t know if it was just my imagination, but Pei Xun seemed to lift his head and glance in this direction.

As always, he was wearing a veil.

Pretentious.

“General, in honor of your great victory, the Emperor sent me to offer you congratulations. I have also been ordered to help you perform a Heavenly Divination.”

No wonder.

The moment Pei Xun spoke, I understood.

Ying Shuyuan had not returned to the State of Qi for three years. Though he had won a decisive victory in war, no one knew how his thoughts and experiences had changed over these past three years.

The Emperor was far away, and life at the borders was harsh. Apart from Ying Shuyuan’s own troops, no one else had been there. If he had set up camp and begun harboring thoughts of rebellion, who would know?

Now that the Emperor was willing to send Pei Xun here, I was afraid the test came first, and the congratulations second.

“The Emperor is most thoughtful.”

But since even I could hear the meaning behind it, that old fox Ying Shuyuan naturally understood as well. He only paused for the briefest moment before immediately reacting.

“However, I am a crude man. Since childhood, I’ve been used to wielding blades and spears, and I have always believed only in the blade in my own hand. Imperial Tutor, your talents are great, but you and rough men like us do not walk the same path. So there is no need for this Heavenly Divination.”

His refusal was perfectly justified, and Pei Xun showed no surprise. After all, anyone who had just returned victorious from battle only to be suspected would naturally feel unhappy.

“In that case, I will not interfere.”

“However, the Emperor specifically instructed that although the Heavenly Divination may be waived, the gifts cannot be lacking.”

“The Emperor’s rewards have already been carried to the storehouse. Next is my own congratulatory gift to the General.”

Pei Xun nodded, and a young manservant outside immediately trotted in with a wooden box in his arms.

Without another word, he opened the box right in front of Ying Shuyuan.

I don’t have many virtues, but I do love money.

So the instant Pei Xun opened that box, my hands clenched tight.

A rare treasure of the Chu State-Eagle’s Eye.

It was a gemstone resembling an eagle’s eye. It could only be found in the mines of the Chu State, but the yield was so scarce that it was usually reserved for the imperial family.

This item wasn’t on the tribute list either. How did Pei Xun have one? And such a large one at that!

I wanted it so badly!

“I live a humble and frugal life, and have no rare treasures with which to congratulate you, General.”

“It is only a small trinket. I hope you will accept it.”

“If you like it, General, there are still many more in the storehouse of the Imperial Tutor’s Mansion. You may go choose from them at any time.”

Wait, wait, wait, wait…

“Caitang…”

I murmured, “A dignified Imperial Tutor of an entire nation wouldn’t lie, right…?”

If that was true…

Then he was an even bigger moneybag than Crown Prince Qi Lie!!

A new target had appeared!!