The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror

It is now summer, the Seven Azure Dragon Constellations are at their peak, with dragons soaring in the sky.

Jiangning Prefecture is experiencing mild winds and timely rains.

Xu Qing has discerned the invisible influence of "Luck Little Jiao" in this.

On the other hand, he is now Jiangning's Beichen, surrounded and guarded by numerous stars. As long as he is fine, as the mainstay, all affairs operate in an orderly manner.

Thus, there is no need to micromanage; deciding the general direction of development and employing the right people will suffice.

Where waters are too clear, there are no fish.

Some members of the Recovery Society, with no hope in the Imperial Examination, became Clerks, indeed committing some exploitation, but they were noticeably more efficient than the former Clerks, and the incidents of corruption were much fewer.

This is a clear progress.

Xu Qing did not carry out a harsh internal purge at this time.

Moreover, the initiative of Yihe Hall to adopt orphans and teach them reading and Martial Arts Training has been underway for two years. It's too soon to yield results. Once it matures, Xu Qing will have another card to play, without having to rely entirely on the Recovery Society for local governance.

Although Xu Qing might not live to see that day, these initiatives cannot be neglected.

These orphans, indoctrinated with brainwashing-like education from a young age, naturally hold admiration and loyalty towards Xu Qing. Feng Wu also often visits the orphanage to cultivate emotional ties with them.

Feng Wu, knowledgeable of history, knows that the Grand Ancestor of the current dynasty adopted many orphans as foster children, and Empress Gao played a significant role in this.

The Xu and Feng families, lacking in clans, these orphans will perform a function similar to clans in the future.

Moreover, raised from a young age along with Xu Qing's brainwashing education, their initial loyalty is without question.

Beyond this, Xu Qing has many other similar schemes, all with long-term considerations in mind.

Although Feng Wu feels that her husband constantly says he won't initiate a rebellion, these preparations are indeed necessary. Her husband's wisdom and foresight truly provide a sense of security.

After all, she now has a husband and is with child, and everything starts from her own family.

Whoever ruins her home shall pay with their life!

...

...

Before the rural examinations at the end of July, Gu Daoist accepted Xu Qing's invitation to visit Jiangning Prefecture.

Upon entering the territory of Jiangning Prefecture, Xu Qing also invited Gu Daoist to tour the numerous workshops as well as the Soul Stone Vein on Qishan Island.

The Soul Stone Vein is of great temptation to Fang Immortal Dao, more valuable than a gold mine.

Many of Fang Immortal Dao's Dao Skill mechanisms rely on soul stones to operate.

Yet, abundant as resources are in the Southern Ocean, it alone lacks a Soul Stone Vein.

Not to mention the Southern Ocean, even within the Great Yu dynasty, discovered Soul Stone Veins are still very scarce. They remain either in the hands of the Court or in the possession of Cultivation Sacred Lands like the Great Zen Temple.

Not even nobles can get their hands on them, much less Fang Immortal Dao.

The soul stone will be solid currency in future trades between Xu Qing and Fang Immortal Dao.

After Gu Daoist witnessed the vein in person, his determination to cooperate with Xu Qing solidified.

"Xu Jieyuan, you mentioned there was another matter you wish to discuss by inviting me here, may I inquire what it is?" Gu Daoist, after friendly exchanges with Xu Qing, couldn't help but ask.

Xu Qing replied, "I plan to enter the Capital for next year's examination and wish to invite Taoist Gu to accompany me."

Gu Daoist was surprised, "How can this be?"

Of course, Xu Qing was aware of Gu Daoist's concerns; after all, Fang Immortal Dao and the Great Yu Court were at odds. If he entered the Capital, wouldn't it be like delivering oneself into the jaws of death?

Xu Qing reassured, "Since the Grand Secretary has already collaborated with your faction, he would certainly not harm the Daoist. Furthermore, I, Xu Qing, will ensure your safety, and should you find the Capital uncongenial, you may leave at any time."

Gu Daoist still hesitated.

Xu Qing continued, "The Capital holds many rare collections which will surely aid the Daoist's cultivation. My invitation for you to enter the Capital is with this consideration as well."

Regardless, the Capital of the Great Yu dynasty remains the most culturally rich place in the world; the waters there are indeed deep, but so are the opportunities.

Originally interested in the many treasures of the Great Yu dynasty, Gu Daoist, upon hearing this, found it hard not to be moved, and asked, "What benefits does this hold for Xu Jieyuan?"

Xu Qing explained, "I hope to use the Capital's resources to further research mechanisms that can replace manual labor. There are many skilled craftsmen and venerable families in the Capital, all with unique techniques. With collective intelligence and effort, we are certain to create many practical mechanisms which, if widely adopted, will be a great deed of merit for the people of the world."

Gu Daoist questioned, "Studying these in the Capital, wouldn't all the benefits fall to the court?"

Xu Qing laughed heartily, "In the previous dynasty, how many military mechanisms and Firearms did your sect research? And the result? Were they utilized?"

In reality, they were used, but by the revolutionaries led by the Great Yu Emperor.

The Minister of Public Works overseeing practical matters now is the eldest son of the Grand Secretary.

Once Xu Qing reaches an agreement with the Grand Secretary, the resources of the Ministry of Industry will be at Xu Qing's disposal. His is a noble scheme; if these researches can be utilized by the Great Yu Court, promoted throughout the land and benefit the common people, Xu Qing is willing to be a lifelong loyal official of Great Yu.

If the Great Yu Court doesn't make good use of them, Xu Qing will do it himself.

He's laid the groundwork and prepared well for rebellion, but as long as there is peace under heaven, Xu Qing will not rebel.

Certainly, he will not stand idly by, waiting for the Court's executioner's blade to fall.

In the worst-case scenario, he will merely take to the seas.

Gu Daoist, of course, understood these past events. Grasping the logic is one thing; possessing the vision and magnanimity is another.

The forbearing presence that Xu Qing exudes just goes to show that he is capable of accomplishing such tasks; others, not so much.