The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror
Chapter 194 - 109: The Transformation of Crane Form Skill—Innate Qi!_3

Chapter 194: Chapter 109: The Transformation of Crane Form Skill—Innate Qi!_3

"Pity that Old Wu will be leaving the position of Imperial Censor in July. I wonder who the new Imperial Censor will be. The Imperial Censor is the fourth most powerful figure in the civil servant system of South Zhili, with considerable influence. Although he cannot affect the chief examiner, the co-examiners are often local officials who naturally have to respect the Imperial Censor."

"Even though the essays in the provincial examination are transcribed by dedicated scribes to obscure the handwriting, one can easily recognize the style of writing. No matter how tight the system, after two hundred years and endless patching, there will always be ways around it as long as people are involved."

"But such means have a high threshold, out of reach for ordinary people."

"Therefore, the provincial examination is mostly fair."

Xu Qing is not concerned about his own academic level, but he must be cautious to prevent others from sabotaging him. He needs to take precautions to avoid being caught off guard when the time comes.

Moreover, the provincial exam has rankings. If someone purposely makes things difficult for him and ranks him, a top achiever, in the middle or lower tiers, that would be annoying enough.

Though the likelihood is small.

Ah, but not negligible.

He has offended Duke Wei Mansion and even if Duke Wei took a step back, he has put Xu Qing in the eye of the storm with that memorial proposing to convert rice fields to mulberry fields - it just takes a little inquiry to know who was behind it.

Xu Qing may seem imposing in Jiangning Prefecture, but in the entirety of South Zhili, he is an oddity belonging to local forces, likely viewed with enmity and isolation by the native faction.

You can even remove the "likely."

At this stage, he has no other choice.

This is the sorrow of a small figure.

Even when riding on momentum, one is not in control.

He can summon wind and rain only because someone above needs him to summon wind and rain. He does not possess those divine skills.

"If I could command my fate, I would plant lotuses in the fire."

In Taoist philosophy, one’s destiny can be altered through self-cultivation and effort.

Of course, Xu Qing would not willingly be a chess piece manipulated by others.

The destiny of the Ziwei Star does not acquiesce!

Fortunately, Xu Qing has always advised that during his cultivation, any anomalies should not cause alarm—thus, when he just now let out a long howl, no one came to inquire, especially since Qiu Xiang and other maids were guarding outside.

As for the neighbors.

Well, since the peace has already been disturbed, he’ll just send some gifts tomorrow as an apology.

After this event, Xu Qing also considered finding some sort of soundproofing array to mask the noise from the Wutong Courtyard.

On the following day, Xu Qing received news that Wu Xun’an has arrived at Jiangning Prefecture and is currently waiting for him at the Heavenly Fragrance Courtyard.

Imperial Censors were supposed to inspect various places in South Zhili, of course, they could also choose to send someone else to visit the places on their behalf, then gather and summarize the reports to get accurate intelligence before conducting on-the-spot inspections.

Plainly speaking, the Imperial Censor’s biggest role is like a sharp sword hanging over the heads of all sizes of figures in South Zhili, to let them feel the Emperor’s authority.

Whether the sword is drawn from the sheath or not is not important, knowing the sword exists is enough.

...

...

"Disciple greets the Mentor."

After a series of formalities, Wu Xun’an said: "Gongming, this operation against the bandits and the establishment of the customs post went smoothly. I’ve recommended your uncle for the position of Commander in Jiangning Prefecture to the Court as a commendation. Also, I will be stepping down in July, and I have an old colleague in the Capital at the Ministry of Personnel who asked me about my future plans. They said my contribution this time is not minor, and I could go directly to the Inspection Bureau, or become a Magistrate in North Zhili, or take up a lucrative position outside South Zhili, or find a spot in the Ministry of Personnel or Ministry of Revenue. Gongming, what do you think?"

These positions were all desirable, though not as powerful as the Imperial Censor, they were coveted by ordinary officials.

Xu Qing guessed that Wu’s friend in the Ministry of Personnel obviously held a position not that low, likely that of an Assistant Minister.

Originally, the relationship between Wu Xun’an and that friend wasn’t deep, but having served as Imperial Censor and achieved recognition, his prospects were naturally different, and on that side, they were of course much closer than before.

Wu Xun’an urgently needed a backer, and both sides seemed to be in mutual agreement.

"Mentor, do you want to hear the truth or something pleasant?"

"Of course, the truth."

Xu Qing said respectfully: "The truth might be unpleasant, I beg Mentor’s forgiveness."

Wu Xun’an stroked his beard: "As the saying goes, good advice is often harsh to the ear but beneficial to action. Please impart your honest counsel, Gongming."

Xu Qing said: "Mentor asks me if you are already considering becoming a Capital Official, or even entering the Inspection Bureau to join the Pure Stream faction."

"I have such thoughts."

"I venture to guess, if Mentor is having such thoughts, your old colleague from the Ministry of Personnel likely shares that notion."

"Yes, the Inspection Bureau is a prestigious place. If I enter the Inspection Bureau, it means switching from Corruption to Pure Stream. Even though the money... cough cough, I’m still young and have a resolution to make something of myself for the people of the world."

Xu Qing said: "Mentor, please forgive my blunt words. If you enter the Inspection Bureau, you’ll become just a spear wielded by those above, forced to impeach whoever they command without any say of your own."

He sighed softly and continued: "Mentor, forgive me for being presumptuous, but the waters of the Capital are deep, not something that you, a Third Class Scholar with no family background, can handle."

Wu Xun’an’s face reddened and after a moment, he let out a long sigh: "Gongming, I understand the logic you’re presenting, it’s just... I can’t help but aspire to it!"

Xu Qing replied: "If Mentor trusts me, just listen to my plan this time. Under my guidance, you could advance greatly in three years, possibly aiming for a position among the Nine Ministers or as Assistant Minister of Six Ministries."

Hearing Xu Qing paint a grand future, Wu Xun’an was not angry but found it entirely natural. Xu Gongming was indeed a miraculous person.

He had risen from a little-known County Magistrate on the outskirts of a Prefecture City to the position of Inspector of South Zhili and was about to be promoted several ranks, all undoubtedly thanks to the strategic genius of the young Xu Gongming.

"Gongming, you are my ’Sleeping Dragon [Zhuge Liang] and Young Phoenix [Pang Tong].’ I have always been guided by your wisdom, so share your plan with me."

...

...

Capital, Chief Minister’s Mansion, Yanyue Hall.

"Who does the Grand Secretary favor for the next Imperial Censor of South Zhili?"

"When autumn arrives in July, the golden winds shall begin to blow."