The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror

Too hasty might show disrespect to the old emperor, so a longer preparation time satisfies the old emperor and avoids any impression of Xu Qing's negligence.

Having completed the necessary preliminaries, Xu Qing began to write a green poem on ivy paper.

Paper, ink, brush, and the writing desk were already provided by the palace maids and eunuchs.

Xu Qing didn't flaunt his calligraphy skills, maintaining strictly the formal, bureaucratic style.

More pleasing to the eye than the type used in printing blocks.

When the old emperor received the green poem and saw the lines "Removed from the Nine Heavens to fulfill the heavenly mandate, how can one's feelings endure; Ruling the four seas and lamenting the commoners, my heart aches," he was unusually moved.

These words struck him to his core.

He softly recited them, savouring the resonance.

This passage meant that the old emperor, originally an immortal from the Immortal Class, descended to the Mortal World by the decree of heaven to become an emperor, abandoning his immortal status to become a mortal, forsaking celestial bliss to seek welfare for the common people...

Such is the lofty and grand sentiment...

A man like him would also know that his posthumous reputation might not necessarily be favorable.

However, Xu Qing's words somewhat vindicated him.

"Xu Qing, your green poem is well written. Ask what you wish, as long as it is within my power to grant," the old emperor expressed, unusually pleased.

Of course, it wasn't just for the poem, but also to reward Xu Qing's contributions concerning the Immortal Coal and disaster victim management.

In the end, the disaster issue was a small blemish for the old emperor, now rectified by Xu Qing, the blemish no longer exists.

"Replying to Your Majesty, your servant indeed has a request."

"Speak."

A eunuch beside the emperor felt a bit regretful internally, as Xu Jieyuan still seemed too green. Even if just for show, he should have offered some pleasantries like "Thunder and dew are both the grace of the monarch" instead of directly asking the Lord for a reward.

"From a young age, I've liked reading. I've heard that the Wenyuan Pavilion holds a collection encompassing all fields, including a Great Book compiled by Emperor Chengzu gathering many rare books from previous dynasties. I hope Your Majesty allows me permission to read books in the Wenyuan Pavilion."

Hearing Xu Qing say this, Chen Zhong, the trusted eunuch beside the emperor, initially felt pity but now couldn't help but praise Xu Qing for being a sensible and good servant.

Upon hearing this, the old emperor said, "Xu Qing, you know a monarch's words carry weight. When I asked you to make a request, you could have chosen many things, but to only ask to enter Wenyuan Pavilion to read seems quite the waste."

"Replying to Your Majesty, that is my only request."

The old emperor chuckled, "I heard your wife is pregnant. If a child is born, I will grant him a position among the Hundred Households of Embroidered Guards. As for reading in the Wenyuan Pavilion, Chen Zhong, give Xu Qing a Hanlin Imperial Attendant credential; it will make it much more convenient for him to visit me in the palace or go to Wenyuan Pavilion."

Hanlin Imperial Attendant is a minor position of Ninth Grade, but it also means he serves directly before the emperor, mainly discussing literature with him.

However, just issuing Xu Qing a credential does not require going through the Ministry of Personnel. The Ritual Supervision can handle it directly.

With this credential, Xu Qing could request an audience with the emperor instead of waiting to be summoned. Of course, it's not that the Hanlin Imperial Attendant possesses such powers, but the old emperor intended it that way.

Because the old emperor emphasized this with his final words.

That was the key point.

In Chen Zhong's view, this was the emperor showing unique favor to Xu Qing.

And Chen Zhong thought this also displayed Xu Qing's good judgment.

Recently, with Xu Qing causing such a big sensation, staying in Wenyuan Pavilion to read would naturally avoid lots of trouble, clearly displaying imperial favor and deterring others from provoking him.

Moreover, it gave Xu Qing a peaceful opportunity to prepare for the examination.

Crucially, given the emperor's attitude towards Xu Qing, as long as Xu Qing performs normally in the Imperial Examination, he would surely be the top scorer. If the chief examiner of the examination is sensible and selects Xu Qing as the top scorer.

Then Xu Qing would achieve the unprecedented feat of success in all six examinations, a tremendously auspicious sign.

At that time, Xu Qing's influence would elevate to the next level.

"Xu Gongming may be young, but he already has the influence and political acumen of a Cabinet Minister, worth befriending." Chen Zhong, as a recent significant appointee of Ritual Supervision, naturally hoped for a strong ally in the Outer Court.

In fact, the old emperor did not favor eunuchs involving in politics in previous years, but in recent years, as he became increasingly engrossed in cultivation, his attention to state affairs diminished, hence the visibly swelling power of Ritual Supervision.

Once tasted, the flavor of power becomes addictive.

Chen Zhong knew, without a strong ally in the Outer Court, he as an inner court imperial servant was easily susceptible to elimination by the Outer Court.

After all, the emperor needs justified reasons to deal with court ministers.

But dealing with inner attendants, it only takes a word.

As for Xu Qing offending Prince Yu, Chen Zhong considered it not a big deal because rising to his position required ruthlessness.

Thus, once Prince Yu ascends the throne, Chen Zhong was bound to be made an example of.

If Prince Yu comes to power, his fate was sealed.

Although Chen Zhong still dared not offend Prince Yu, he also wasn't fearful that befriending Xu Qing would adversely affect his future.

As for inner attendants befriending external ministers, it indeed breaches taboos.

The more taboos it violates, the higher the risk, and greater the reward.

Among the Ritual Supervision, there were not a few secretly liaising with the Cabinet Ministers.

Some even did so under the old emperor's directive to befriend outside ministers.

The old emperor was so inscrutable that he would make some unconventional decisions.

Of course, this was just a thought of Chen Zhong's; he still needed to observe further and find a suitable opportunity.

…

…

After accompanying the old emperor, Xu Qing followed Cheng Zhong's lead to Wenyuan Pavilion.

After Chen Zhong took his leave, Xu Qing was guided by the on-duty eunuch at Wenyuan Pavilion straight to the shelf housing the Ancestor's Great Book.