The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror

After the deep autumn rain, winter sets in.

The Southeastern Land has yet to see snow, but the chill is already palpable among the Southeast Gentlemen.

For no reason other than Xu Liushou's revival!

The hearts of the scholars are shrouded in the gloomy atmosphere of winter weather.

What a quandary.

Not only did they receive news of Xu Liushou, but also an invitation—Xu Liushou invited everyone to Yingtian for a meal.

Time is tight.

Each scholar who receives the news must set off immediately.

At this time, no one dares to say no.

After all, if you don't go, it's certain your allies will betray you.

Going might not be beneficial, but not going spells trouble.

Under Xu Liushou's influence, the four-wheel carriages researched by Fang Immortal Dao have already been promoted in Yingtian Prefecture, Jiangning Prefecture.

The technology of the four-wheel carriage is complex, with high material requirements, making mass production difficult.

Other scholars tried to imitate it but couldn't replicate it at all.

Because the craftsmen they hired were no match for those from Fang Immortal Dao and the Ministry of Industry.

Moreover, with the news of Xu Qing's revival spreading, it's imaginable that many skilled craftsmen will flock to Xu Liushou, who has always treated them well.

Working for the Wenqu Star gives one prestige.

South Zhili's artisan aristocratic family—the Lei clan, even after Xu Liushou became the Top Scorer, promptly aligned themselves with the Xu Family.

Not long ago, when news of Xu Qing's death spread, many awaited to see Lei's embarrassment or their detachment from the Xu Family, but Lei still chose to affiliate with Xu.

This is partly due to Lei's distant relative Scholar Lei, yet Lei itself is keen to rely on Xu.

Although only an artisan family, the Lei clan significantly influences South Zhili's large-scale gardens.

Lei effectively determines the style and aesthetics of South Zhili gardens.

With Lei's support, the cement produced by Xu Family in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry sells well in South Zhili.

The key is that many influential scholars are now eyeing the cement.

This is truly a lucrative opportunity, whoever seizes it will profit immensely.

Even before anyone made a move, Xu Liushou's return changed everything.

Some scholars even feel fortunate they didn't act.

The scholars rush through the night, journeying arduously to Yingtian Prefecture City.

Those closer to South Zhili find that scholars from further afield have arrived earlier; upon inquiry, some even started later.

Those gentlemen proudly explain, their carriage is a four-wheel one, offering comfort and speed. Moreover, several families jointly bought cement to build roads in their state.

The comfort of the carriage naturally elevates a notch, but they also start collecting tolls, which is akin to gold mines and silver mountains.

Afterwards, they claim, you all use two-wheel carriages, while they use four-wheel ones; if you're not slow, then who is?

Some conservative scholars feel regretful.

Focused on sharing cement profits directly, they didn't expect some to be bold enough to buy cement and build roads; indeed toll collection is a steady income source.

Their scope is lacking.

Now that the Southeast's cement industry is just starting, acquiring cement requires considerable capital.

Investing at this time certainly shows boldness and foresight.

Just recently, rumors had it Xu Qing was dead, yet these people remained so daring.

They also considered, in the Great Yu Dynasty, policies fade with the ruler; with Xu Liushou dead, wondrous items like cement may go extinct. If not purchased now, when?

Ultimately, they trust the Court.

Without Xu Liushou, what new industry could the Court possibly achieve?

Despite cement's magic, without Xu Liushou, they believe the cement business won't spread widely and will eventually be shelved.

Since Xu Liushou is a heterodox in Confucianism.

Confucianism, known for eradicating heresy.

If one seems unfavorable, they will unwaveringly tarnish one's reputation; by then, could cement, as one of Xu Liushou's major achievements, be preserved?

Many scholars gather to see Xu Liushou.

Indeed, it's Xu Liushou, "unmatched in the world," dashing and commanding endless admiration.

Though inwardly, most are filled with disappointment.

Yet outwardly, the genuine excitement they display is something even a veteran opera star might struggle to perform.

Certain scholars, having slighted Xu's business some time ago, now wish they could open their hearts for Xu Liushou to see.

It truly wasn't their doing; it was their servants acting on their own.

Xu Liushou sits there, surrounded by scholars like stars circling Beichen, revolving around Xu Liushou.

Everyone is anxious, fearing Xu Liushou might massacre the local scholars like in Qingzhou.

Indeed, the mere description of that scene gives many scholars nightmares.

"No need to fear, everyone."

"No fear, no fear, our admiration for the Top Scorer is insurmountable..."> without concern for correctness, shower him with flatteries.

They are all seasoned worldly people, aware that attitude holds greater importance than words.

Saying something wrong isn't crucial, as long as they closely align with the topic, serving Xu Liushou as children serve their parents...

Then it's the right answer!

Even Xu Qing, usually calm, felt slightly lift by these shameless flatterers.