The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror
Chapter 290 - 138: Worldly Society and the Imperial Court (Please Subscribe)_2

Chapter 290: Chapter 138: Worldly Society and the Imperial Court (Please Subscribe)_2

This is a long and covert battle line that requires steady and firm actions.

He slowly began, "No matter what, once the military intelligence is submitted, the dispute over ’field measurement’ in the Court will be completely settled."

Feng Xun’an sighed, "With this confusion, the strength of the Reform will be much diminished."

Xu Qing nodded.

This is the reason why he decisively dealt with the nobles of Jiangning Prefecture after receiving the letter from the Grand Secretary. He was well aware that delays could lead to unexpected developments, such as this incident, which would be very detrimental to him.

The quick decision previously made had defined the matter.

Even if the Central authorities tolerated the ’field measurement’ issue, they would not compromise half a step on the matters of Jiangning Prefecture. After all, they do need to save face.

Furthermore, if the case of Jiangning Prefecture were to be overturned, the authority of the Grand Secretary and the Emperor would be greatly undermined.

Feng Xun’an naturally understood this, and after glancing at Xu Qing, he said, "Gongming, I initially thought you were too hasty in your actions, but now it seems to have been an ingenious move. Had you been slower with the Jiangning Prefecture matter, you would now be stuck in the mire, unable to advance or retreat."

He paused, then continued, "Did you anticipate this change of events, and that’s why you hurried?"

Xu Qing responded, "No, it was just good luck."

Feng Xun’an said meaningfully, "You’ve always been quite lucky in your endeavors."

Xu Qing smiled, "Teacher, you surely wouldn’t wish for my luck to be bad."

Feng Xun’an stated, "You lad, are too cunning. I’m not sure whether it’s good or bad for Qing’er to follow you."

Xu Qing smiled slyly, "That’s why I need your extra care, after all, you wouldn’t want Awu to have a bad life with me."

Feng Xun’an’s face darkened, "I’m not even forty yet, what do you mean by old?"

Ordinary people are grandparents at forty, but for scholars, forty is the prime of their strength. The life quality of those exempt from mundane labor is much higher than ordinary people, hence they generally live longer and more substantially.

Such is the case since ancient times.

Xu Qing smiled, "Teacher is strong and vigorous in these troubled times, and it is the right time to build a legacy. The Central Court members surely need Teacher to achieve results right now to stabilize the situation in the Southeast. I have a bold idea."

Alert for Xu Qing’s intelligence, Feng Xun’an curiously inquired, "Gongming, just speak straightforwardly about your thoughts. We don’t need to beat around the bush."

Xu Qing said, "Regardless of how civil issues are handled afterwards, it’s most imperative to first resolve the military issues. At this time of national crisis, Teacher should take the initiative and request the Central authorities to appoint you as ’Military Supervisor’."

Feng Xun’an was surprised, "Is it appropriate for me to actively seek power?"

Xu Qing elaborated further, "Not only that, Teacher should also take on the responsibilities of an Imperial Censor. Here is the petition I drafted for Teacher to review."

Feng Xun’an’s face twitched, realizing Xu Qing came fully prepared, already aware of this matter.

He was secretly amazed by the influence Xu Qing wielded and then took the petition drafted by Xu Qing. After reading the contents, his expression changed, "You want me to impeach all the officials, nobles of South Zhili, including Duke Wei and Mr. Li who just arranged your marriage?"

Xu Qing smiled, "This is called ’striking first to gain the upper hand.’ If Teacher doesn’t take any action, guess if they will smear you?"

Feng Xun’an quickly understood, this was highly probable, with the breaking point being Xu Qing’s dispute with the scholars.

He grasped Xu Qing’s deeper intention.

The matter of Jiangning Prefecture is one that the Grand Secretary must protect, so if nothing happens to Xu Qing, nothing will happen to him.

With this assurance, whether it’s seizing power or impeaching the nobles and officials of South Zhili, it’s something he must do.

When others try to slander you, the best response is not to argue but to hold a knife in your hand.

Moreover, with the current turmoil in the Southeast, even if the Central officials compromise, they will not completely back down, urgently needing trustworthy people to stabilize the situation.

Xu Qing, having quarreled with nobles like Duke Wei and engaged in such matters, is naturally trustworthy, making Feng Xun’an the most suitable candidate at the moment.

The responsibility of an Imperial Censor is to monitor civil governance. If one is also appointed as a Military Supervisor, it means having authority in both civil and military matters, similar to governors or supervisors, but with slightly less official status and actual power.

Currently, South Zhili lacks a governor or supervisor, so with the addition of the Military Supervisor role, Feng Xun’an is effectively a lower-tier Yingtian supervisor with no actual superior to restrain him.

And this temporary power is easy to revoke.

Moreover, since Feng Xun’an is of a lower rank, rewarding him afterwards won’t be too troublesome.

The key point is, Feng Xun’an is not without a foundation in South Zhili, because he has Xu Qing as a good son-in-law.

Since it’s nominally Feng Xun’an taking action, there’s no need to worry about how to reward Xu Qing later.

Thus, Feng Xun’an perfectly fits the Grand Secretary’s and the Emperor’s logic in employing people.

Having understood all this, Feng Xun’an couldn’t help but lament, everyone hopes their son will succeed, but what is he doing?

Feng Xun’an felt like he was living off Xu Qing.

After all, his acquisition of the Imperial Censor position was also related to Xu Qing.

Mr. Feng, blushing, said, "Just tell me the matter directly, what’s the need for drafting a petition for me, as if I couldn’t write one myself?"

This was Mr. Feng’s last act of defiance in front of his future son-in-law!

"My dear daughter, you should walk your path by yourself from now on." This time Mr. Feng felt controlled by Xu Qing, unable to stiffen his back, and he felt quite sorry for his daughter.