The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror

This is the true layout of an emperor.

Not only can I do it, but without me, you definitely can't.

The responsibility of the country and the welfare of the world's people are not something just anyone can shoulder.

Xu Qing cultivating such a breadth of character, in the eyes of Gu the Taoist, is not a surprise but a confidence built over many incidences.

Look at the things Xu Qing has done.

Without Xu Qing, none of those would have been accomplished.

Could the reform of the court have smoothly proceeded without the Grand Secretary strategizing and harmonizing Yin Yang, and Xu Qing overcoming all those difficulties along the way?

Without him, the Reform Faction would disperse!

After Xu Qing invited Gu the Taoist to wander leisurely, he used his private money to treat Gu the Taoist to experience the local customs of Southeast at Water Cloud.

These ladies from Jiangnan, with their gentle Wu dialect, appealing faces, and fair skin, are worlds apart from the women of the Southern Ocean.

As the saying goes, "A cup of Wu wine under the spring bamboo leaves, double dance of Wu girls intoxicates like lotus blossoms."

Gu the Taoist was reinvigorated for the second spring, his spirit rejuvenated overnight, needless to say.

Xu Qing also gave great importance to Gu the Taoist, opting for personal hospitality which wouldn't be the case with anyone else.

Once Gu the Taoist entered his room to learn the gentle Wu dialect, Xu Qing headed home, dispersing any scent on him enroute, ensuring there was no odd smell.

With lights on in his study, he returned home.

Turns out Feng Wu was reading a letter.

"Whose letter is it?"

"Your little wife's."

"Ah." Xu Qing was momentarily confused. Had he taken a concubine? Remembering his uncle Li Gongpu's situation, he feared Awu might have been misinformed by his aunt.

He quickly read the letter, then breathed a sigh of relief and couldn't help but laugh.

Dongming Princess truly was interesting, worrying that Xu Qing wouldn't keep his promise, she decided to take the senior wife's approach, courteously engaging through her letter, sending along many specialties from the Southern Ocean and even sharing her family and national grievances...

After Feng Wu finished reading, she wrote back.

"Ah, she's so pitiable, if you don't keep your promise, I'll feel utterly sinful." Feng Wu's eyes gleamed slyly as she spoke, "Do you think she's pretty?"

"I don't remember." Xu Qing said earnestly.

Feng Wu: "I think Chuyun is quite attractive, and she practices martial arts, looking heroic and charming. I like her just seeing her, not to mention you men."

Xu Qing smiled slightly: "I'll leave the matters of the inner palace to you."

Feng Wu: "I'm not a jealous wife. After the child is born, you should add more siblings for him."

Xu Qing nodded. Taking concubines and filling the palace were merely about having these functional people. As long as Feng Wu had no objections, he naturally cooperated. His affairs were numerous and varied; he couldn't manage to care about the internal quarters.

Honestly, women are naturally weak and admire strength. Rather than dwell on romantic love, becoming perpetually stronger is preferable. A powerful man never lacks women, they even proactively imbue emotional value; any grievances would be resolved by themselves.

Of course, there are exceptions.

But exceptional women are, after all, a minority.

As for loving men, they too exist.

In his past life as a youth, Xu Qing also longed for pure love.

But regardless of gender, everyone must pass through such a phase, then confront reality. Focusing more on career and less on romantic entanglements is what Xu Qing should do now.

The matter with Dongming Princess was just a spice in Xu Qing and Feng Wu's marital life.

Feng Wu even deliberately switched to a dress similar to Dongming Princess' to play with Xu Qing, to see if he liked it.

Xu Qing was utterly speechless.

It was also because Xu Qing was about to enter the Capital. A young couple about to part must surely indulge deeply before separation.

Xu Qing worked hard throughout the night, yet remained spirited.

When the township examination outcomes were released and several scholars emerged from Recovery Society, Xu Qing headed northward to the Capital.

This trip, he brought along Feng Qintian and many rare treasures to make connections in the Capital.

Gu the Taoist, along with his named disciples, followed Xu Qing.

At his age, if he doesn't strive now, he would lose the chance to.

With Xu Qing's assurance, along with support from East Sea Gang, Fang Immortal Dao and the court, Gu the Taoist didn't need to worry about his personal safety.

The Capital, formerly known as the Great Capital, had seen significant contributions from Fang Immortal Dao during its initial construction.

Now, Gu the Taoist being the first direct disciple to return to the "Great Capital" from Fang Immortal Dao in over two hundred years, indeed bore historical significance.

Along the way, contemporary Sword Cultivator Feng Qintian resolved all the bandit issues.

This Great Hero, accompanying Xu Qing to the Capital, was also due to his daughter being selected as a Court Lady.

Now his daughter had entered the Longevity Palace, not becoming one of the concubines but becoming a female official in the palace through Xu Qing and his wife's influence.

This was a good outcome.

But he had to visit to feel reassured.

Traveling northward, Xu Qing passed by Great Zen Temple.

Now entering a seclusion state, Xu Qing wanted to visit but had no chance. Passing by, he profoundly sensed an indescribable oppressive aura from Taishi Mountain of the Great Zen Temple.

This oppression, none of his companions felt except him.

It was odd that Great Zen Temple, in good condition, would seclude.

Xu Qing understood, probably Xiong Chan was on the verge of breaking through to become a Martial Saint.

Since the fragmentation of the land a hundred years ago, the Great Yu Dynasty was about to witness its third Martial Saint. Comparing to the previous two aged and likely deceased Martial Saints, a Martial Saint at the prime of life posed an unimaginably terrifying threat.

Regardless, Xu Qing was definitely not going to invite Xiong Chan to the Martial Arts Tournament.

Moreover, Xiong Chan didn't need to prove how high his Kung Fu was.