The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror-Chapter 717 - 319: New Changes in the Bronze Mirror—Emperor Ziwei
Old Wu was promoted to Right Imperial Censor, becoming the second in command at the Inspection Bureau, just a step away from the rank of the Six Ministers.
Moreover, the Inspection Bureau has always stood on equal footing with the Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Rites, and Ministry of Revenue, so it could be said that if Old Wu endures a bit longer, becoming one of the Six Ministers is certainly attainable, and he might even enter the cabinet.
Xu Qing also left a backdoor for the old officials: in the future, if someone at the rank of the Six Ministers or above faces retirement, should they have an illustrious service record, they could receive an Ascension Order, allowing them to enter the Immortal Sect directly and receive the true teachings of the Purple Palace Golden Core, without needing to undergo examinations.
As for what constitutes illustrious service, that’s for Xu Liushou to decide.
In fact, this is also a strategy to weaken local power through the use of the Ascension Order.
These old fellows hold too much influence in the mortal world; it’s better to exchange benefits with the Ascension Order to gain their compromises locally and ease local class conflicts.
Of course, the actual effectiveness of these ideas can only be determined through long-term exploration and experimentation.
Fortunately, the Great Yu Dynasty currently has a high tolerance for risks, so Xu Qing is not worried about nurturing an irreparable crisis.
If problems are discovered, they can be corrected in time.
For Xu Qing, the greatest hidden danger is that, in the future, newcomers might arise with cultivation levels reaching the heavens, capable of challenging Xu Qing’s authority.
But Xu Qing knows very well that this is something that cannot be prevented at its source.
To prevent future generations from making progress is to make this world stagnate or regress.
Should a powerful force from beyond the heavens invade one day, Xu Qing would find himself without allies.
Closing the borders and blinding the populace is truly inadvisable.
Xu Qing and his group traveled north along the canal.
"Gongming seems particularly concerned about the vessels traversing the canal. Could there be some issue?" Elder Liang, still enjoyed participating in governmental affairs, remarked.
For people like them, having power at hand makes them feel as if they can live forever, with boundless energy. If they were to retire completely, they would soon deteriorate and age rapidly.
"Elder Liang, look, these transport ships are getting bigger every year."
"Indeed, the craftsmanship of the Heavenly Work Institute is becoming more exquisite, making the ships larger as well. This is a good thing."
"No, old sir, the water level of the canal is limited, if they are too large, it’s easy for problems to arise mid-journey, such as grounding..." Yan Shan reminded him from the side.
Elder Liang: "I heard that with Mechanical Taoism, future large ships might even fly through the air..."
Yan Shan sighed: "Using Mechanical Taoism is quite costly. Its practical value is far less compared to utilizing natural waterways."
Currently, the Great Yu Dynasty has built some tracks using Mechanical Taoism, but the convenience and cost are still far inferior to water transport.
Yan Shan continued: "Actually, the greatest waterway of our dynasty is the Yangtze River. Our next task is to sort out the entire Yangtze River waterway, which requires the cooperation of Mechanical Taoism and many cultivators. Solely relying on the power of mortals cannot accomplish this."
Sorting out various large and small waterways throughout the Great Yu Dynasty is the upcoming focus, and this can also facilitate the transport of various goods, strengthening the Great Yu Dynasty’s control over the mortal realm.
The hydraulic construction in many places can be said to alter the land and change the heavens.
Thus, it cannot be accomplished without the aid of the Heavenly Work Institute and many cultivators.
It can be said that without Xu Qing overseeing, those noble cultivators would hardly be willing to do these tasks for mortals.
Of course, it can’t be for nothing either.
Corresponding cultivation resource rewards are also indispensable.
As for rewards for mortals, silver coins can be used, but for cultivators, only tangible cultivation resources can entice them.
Simply put, those who can become cultivators today are never short of money, as nobles and powerful families offer tributes willingly.
Nowadays, if a local aristocratic family does not offer tribute to a cultivator, they risk falling behind.
Everyone knows that falling behind means getting beaten.
Moreover, as the Great Yu Dynasty evolves into an Immortal Dynasty, the nature of Dynasty Destiny also changes. Previously, Dynasty Destiny had a strong suppressive force on demons and various Dao Skill Divine Powers, but now, this suppression is quickly disappearing.
It can be said that Xu Qing, by his own power, has altered the environment of the Central Earth Dynasty.
In fact, in ancient times, the governance of the world by the Ancient Saint Emperor was a mix of humans, deities, and demons living together.
Some barbarians even retain demonic traits in their bloodlines.
There are also legends that these traits come from a powerful race from the Otherworld.
For example, the Ancient Water Demon subdued by Yu King is rumored to come from the Otherworld.
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After experiencing the complete succession ceremony, the imperial grandson finally ascended to the emperor’s throne.
Of course, everyone knows that the de facto ruler of the Great Yu Dynasty has already become Xu Liushou. The old emperor chose to live out his days in peace on Huangshan, no longer concerning himself with worldly affairs.
Xu Qing honored the mother of the imperial grandson, Feng Cai, as the Empress Dowager Ci Sheng, while the imperial grandson’s legitimate mother, Ms. Chen, was made Empress Dowager Ren Sheng.
This was unexpected by everyone.
Because the Feng family is closely related to the Xu Family, logically, Xu Qing should have abolished Chen’s title, relegating her to the Cold Palace. Surprisingly, Xu Qing showed mercy, making her stand alongside Feng as Empress Dowager.
Of course, logically speaking, if the Chen family is not abolished, her rank should be above Feng’s.
Xu Qing placing both empress dowagers on equal standing indeed gave face to Feng.
As for Xu Qing not becoming emperor himself, it relieved most people but also left them somewhat disappointed.
Because if Xu Qing were to ascend and become the supreme ruler of the mortal world, he would undoubtedly have to cede many benefits, and now with Xu Qing having taken this action, everyone finds themselves unable to seize the opportunity to profit.
Of course, this move by Xu Qing also left his subordinates discontented, having no opportunity to climb further up.
But Xu Qing’s prestige is at its zenith, so his subordinates, despite their dissatisfaction, dare not express it.
