"Old Venerable Lord has already passed her position to the new Venerable Lord. The signet ring and her handwritten letter are proof," Cheng Qingshuang said quickly. Then she said apologetically to Song Qingshu, "Please show us the old Venerable Lord's token."
Song Qingshu snorted. "Just this once. I don't want to have to verify my identity every time."
The women examined the jade signet ring in his hand, then read Tiao Lao's handwritten letter. Only then did they believe it.
"Why are you here?" Song Qingshu asked.
"Reporting to Venerable Lord, we had gone in every direction to search for the old Venerable Lord. Then, two days ago, we heard that the Thirty-six Islands and Seventy-two Caves had rebelled, so we hurried back to provide aid," the elderly woman at the head of the group replied.
Song Qingshu nodded slightly, then suddenly asked, "How should I address you?"
The old woman answered, "This servant belongs to the Haotian Department. My husband's family name was Yu, and the old Venerable Lord called me 'Little Yu.' Venerable Lord may call me whatever you wish." Tiao Lao was over ninety years old, so naturally she could call her "Little Yu," but Song Qingshu could not address her that way. "I'll call you Granny Yu from now on."
Granny Yu fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. "Venerable Lord, have mercy! Whether you wish to beat or kill me, this servant will accept it willingly. I only beg you not to drive this servant out of Lingjiu Palace."
Song Qingshu was startled. "Please rise quickly. Why would I beat or kill you?" He hurriedly helped her up. The other women all knelt as well and pleaded, "Venerable Lord, have mercy." Song Qingshu was greatly puzzled and quickly asked why. Only then did