The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror

Resisting the urge to interfere with technical and business personnel is already a sign of a top-tier leader. What more can Xu Qing possibly ask for?

Moreover, due to Shen Mo's special identity, unless he wishes to be transferred, nobody else can easily touch him.

After all, he is the "Crown Prince's" teacher. Once Prince Yu ascends to the throne, not to mention joining the cabinet, becoming the Grand Secretary is a matter of course.

Even if Prince Yu does not like this teacher, he has to reward his services.

Otherwise, what would others think of Prince Yu?

Ungrateful and mean?

If you don't even reward your own teacher, does that mean you also plan not to repay those of us who helped you rise?

Furthermore, Shen Mo, as Prince Yu's teacher, submitting a petition to attack his own disciple Xu Qing created some estrangement between them, which, paradoxically, has a wonderful effect that's indescribable.

The old emperor, by making this arrangement, clearly set the bottom line for Xu Qing: you help me make money, I'll help you smooth things over. It also served as a warning to Prince Yu, the Crown Prince.

Everything in the world only belongs to you if I give it to you; you cannot desire what I do not.

Oh, the emperor!

Therefore, Xu Qing really has nothing to be proud of.

Once you become an emperor, you're no longer a person. Don't expect any real affection. The old emperor could protect him without hesitation, and could also abandon him just as easily.

Xu Qing's current niche is that of a figure like Heshen during the Qian Long reign, and even then, it's the early Heshen.

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment.

Xu Qing still has one thing he needs to figure out.

At night, he left Wenyuan Pavilion as usual to return to Feng Mansion for rest.

In the study, Xu Qing first mentioned Shen Mo's matter. As it happened during the court assembly, Mr. Feng was also present. Even if Xu Qing didn't ask, he would have to have a little meeting to discuss it.

"Has there been anything unusual happening in the Ministry of War recently?" Xu Qing's thinking is just different. The matter with Shen Mo is clearly of the Ministry of Industry, yet he instinctively feels this issue is inextricably linked to the Ministry of War.

Because the big issue for the court right now is the establishment of the Military Affairs Office.

Capturing the crux of the problem is key to finding its root.

Feng Xifeng thus recounted all that he found strange to Xu Qing.

Xu Qing pondered with closed eyes, then suddenly said, "Teacher, are you saying that the documents from Yunzhou are already five days late compared to usual, and have not yet arrived?"

"Yes, the Ministry of War has already issued an order to expedite them."

Xu Qing: "Yunzhou is one of the Nine Border Towns, and military communications are frequent. Suddenly losing five days of news is actually quite extraordinary."

Feng Xifeng: "Indeed, I also suggested this to the Ministry of War, but they seem to have no reaction."

Xu Qing: "The Six Divisions do not have the extensive channels of the Six Ministries. However, it would be best for Teacher to directly draft a petition now, presenting the importance of this matter to His Majesty."

"Now?"

"The Six Department Inspectors are precisely for His Majesty to check and fill gaps. It is right for Teacher to petition and seek governance from his position. You even have to anticipate the worst scenarios and propose suggestions. I don't know much about military matters, Teacher, you just need to put your strengths to use." Xu Qing suddenly understood, the Grand Secretary is indeed ruthless.

It seems something significant has occurred in Yunzhou, and the Grand Secretary has already laid out plans, intending to reform the army there through this incident, and by doing so, smoothly establish the Military Affairs Office.

And the affairs of Yunzhou's army might also be related to the Ministry of Industry.

Because many military supplies need to pass through the Ministry of Industry.

At this time, for the little Elder returning to serve his grand-father as the Minister of Public Works, it was perfect timing to avoid this storm. And if Shen Mo, who will be taking over, is hit by any fallout, his new tenure combined with his special identity should allow him to withstand the pressure. If this is used to pursue any inquiry into his predecessor, it would be dredging up old accounts.

If this becomes a precedent, hehe, how many officials of the country could withstand having their old accounts scrutinized?

No wonder Shen Mo emphasizes that he doesn't handle practical matters. He probably knows in his heart that there are landmines in the Ministry of Industry's business, and is laying the groundwork in advance.

After discussing matters with Feng Xifeng, Xu Qing didn't do much else that night and had a good sleep.

The next day, he returned to Wenyuan Pavilion with renewed energy, continuing to comprehend the teachings of the Purple Mansion Primordial Sect.

After analyzing the situation last night, combined with Shen Mo's influence on his mindset, Xu Qing seemed to have brushed away a layer of dust from his heart, no longer caring about court affairs and entering a state of serenity free of thoughts and desires.

He had a hunch in his heart that unlocking the Purple Mansion would happen soon.

That's why he had a solid and steady sleep last night.

Seven days went by without Xu Qing stepping out of Wenyuan Pavilion, forgoing sleep and food, absorbing the essences of culture in Wenyuan Pavilion to enrich himself.

The little eunuch who guarded Wenyuan Pavilion was affected by Xu Qing and developed genuine respect for this Top Scorer from South Zhili.

His duty in Wenyuan Pavilion was akin to a eunuch in a cold palace with no prospects for promotion.

In reality, the civil servants qualified to read in Wenyuan Pavilion already held high status. But these civil servants had long grown tired of reading.

Thus, Wenyuan Pavilion, despite being the essence of the nation's scholarly culture, was often deserted.

Lately, Xu Qing came every day and lately, he had not left Wenyuan Pavilion at all.

The little eunuch was initially worried that Xu Qing's neglect of sleep and food might harm his health. He took the initiative to bring meals, only to find Xu Qing not eating anything but asking for clear water instead, while thanking him for his kindness and explaining that this was the practice of asceticism.

The little eunuch was somewhat bewildered, but the Top Scorer certainly knew more than he.

Naturally, he didn't dare to disturb and just watched from a distance.

Gradually, he heard the Top Scorer's breathing, which was quite fascinating.

Unconsciously, he too began to imitate the Top Scorer's breathing.

If it had been an ordinary martial arts trainee attempting to emulate Xu Qing's breathing with specific intent, they would surely feel discomfort, but the little eunuch had no idea what it signified.