The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror
Chapter 93 - 71: Body Tempering (Subscribe Please)_3

Chapter 93: Chapter 71: Body Tempering (Subscribe Please)_3

These old things, I don’t know what they’re thinking, actually want to groom "Qing’er" for the palace.

Had it not been for this matter, Feng Xifeng would not have moved to Jiangning Prefecture to become a teaching Teacher, refusing any aid from the Zhou Family, causing him and his niece to not see each other for years.

However, after several years of settling down, my brother-in-law seemed to have been enlightened, his judgment on the current situation becoming more precise.

But Academician Zhou also knows that Feng Xifeng is proud and unyielding, useless if not at the right time.

Originally, he could have written some pedantic essays, first passing the Imperial Examination and then talk, but he was stubborn. After Feng Xifeng passed the Scholar exam, he had exchanges with his brother-in-law and actually understood his thinking.

The relationship between exam candidates and their mentors is often binding; if he caters to conservative Scholars and passes, it will be difficult to change his stance later, better to wait for the right time.

In officialdom, choosing a stance for progression is very important.

Of course, if you are sitting in the position of a court bigwig, you are the stance itself.

When Xu Qing heard about becoming the Top Scorer, his mouth twitched, he said reluctantly: "Teacher Feng is merely the Five Classics Leader, Uncle should not overestimate me."

Upon hearing this, Academician Zhou became even more enthusiastic and said with a smile: "Exactly, you becoming the Top Scorer, that’s..."

Thinking that his father-in-law was only the Five Classics Leader but the next candidate, his son-in-law, became the Top Scorer, how could this scene not be eagerly anticipated.

He paused, then continued: "Anyway, you should focus on preparing for the provincial exam, avoid distractions."

When Xu Qing heard Academician Zhou repeatedly emphasize "preparing for the provincial exam", he became suspicious.

Normally, the provincial exam is nearly three years away at the fullest count, why does Academician Zhou keep stressing that he should prepare for the "provincial exam"?

"There must be a problem." Xu Qing was now accustomed to scrutinizing details and sensed something amiss.

"Could there be a special exam?" He came to a conclusion.

Actually, having a special exam is normal.

Because the Reform Faction needs new forces, by holding a special exam, they could bring in new people to replace the old conservative parties; waiting another three years, and yet another three years, would be too late.

Is there a better cannon fodder than new Scholars and Scholars?

Moreover, the newcomers have more motivation to advocate for reform.

Otherwise, following the routine, who knows how many years it would take to rise to power.

Now others are unaware of the news, Xu Qing preparing for the review in advance is indeed an advantage.

Xu Qing realized this and hurriedly said: "Nephew will surely remember the teachings from Uncle."

Academician Zhou stroked his beard and said: "I heard you learned essay writing from Qing’er, you two are fated. Her nickname is ’Qing’er’, and you chose ’Qing’ for your name."

Xu Qing knew that Academician Zhou was reminding him not to forget how he became the Three Elements Scholar and not to be ungrateful.

"Uncle" has also put much effort into him.

Xu Qing: "Indeed I learned the essay writing from the young Teacher, if she were male, she definitely could have become a Scholar."

Teacher is a term of respect, used for both men and women.

Such respect from Xu Qing is like a guarantee to Academician Zhou.

Conversing between two cunning foxes indeed requires a lot of thinking.

But being too direct with some things makes everyone look graceless and can easily leave grounds for criticism.

This is also the atmosphere transmitted from above.

The current Emperor is known as the Great Yu’s top enigmatist.

His edicts are shrouded in mist, leaving the subordinates to guess. This way, if something goes wrong, His Majesty doesn’t have to take the blame.

Therefore, many officials of the Great Yu Dynasty’s first life skill is to pass the buck.

The present Governor of South Zhili, Li Wendding, has honed the skill of deflecting blame to the point of mastery, with the nickname "no flies can touch, no feather can fall".

Of course, it is said that he himself is also a master of the Taiji Sect, mainly versed in "The Book of Changes", thus considered a like-minded individual to Xu Qing.

However, due to his own aptitude for passing the buck, it has also led to the gradual corruption of the official atmosphere in South Zhili.

Academician Zhou: "Qing’er’s essay writing is skillful but lacks the profound sense of the Dao. This is a common shortcoming of women, prone to pettiness. Your article techniques are sufficient, now you need to enrich your understanding of the Dao. I have someone to recommend to you, living right in Jiangning Prefecture, take my letter and seek his knowledge."

"Yes." Xu Qing responded, and then asked: "May I know who this learned person is?"

"From Wuzhong County of Jiangning, Li Feng, styled Anguo."

"Li Anguo should be okay." Xu Qing muttered to himself, searching his memory, and then curiously asked: "Uncle, I haven’t heard of any Scholar or Scholar named Li in our prefecture."

Academician Zhou coughed: "What Scholar, Scholar, he is just like you, also a Scholar."

Wuzhong County is coastal and far from Qingshui County, Xu Qing’s knowledge of Wuzhong County is actually not much. So, an old Scholar, he really doesn’t know.

And it seems this person is not very famous.

"No wonder I wasn’t aware. Since Uncle has asked me to seek advice, Teacher Li’s knowledge must be exceptional. I will certainly seek his guidance with an open mind."

Academician Zhou nodded: "Li Anguo has also moved into Prefecture City recently, not far from your house. When you find him, make sure you ask for advice respectfully, do not think of yourself as a mere Three Elements Scholar and behave arrogantly."

"Nephew will remember." Xu Qing knew that Academician Zhou would not recommend a Scholar to him as a Teacher for no reason, so this Scholar must have some exceptional talent and perhaps an unknown powerful connection.

Academician Zhou still seemed unconvinced, "Be respectful."

"Yes."

Academician Zhou had also inquired about Xu Qing’s conduct in daily life, knowing Xu Qing was consistently mild and amiable. He repeated his reminder three times, hoping Xu Qing would understand his intention, so he could avoid impoliteness. Thus, he was reassured and said: "Don’t be too concerned with formalities – after all, a gentleman should always treat others consistently, and I trust you can do this."

"Thank you for Uncle’s teachings."

Academician Zhou smiled and said: "I’m still at ease with you handling matters. Tonight, you will come with me to a banquet, Inspector Wu Xun’an will also be there. Tomorrow morning, you can go back to Jiangning Prefecture."

Although annoyed that Inspector Wu gave Xu Qing his courtesy name, it is undeniable that with Xu Qing and Inspector Wu’s relationship in place, it is easier for him and Inspector Wu to form alliances and cooperate.

This is also one of the major reasons Academician Zhou values Xu Qing.