The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror

No wonder it's so difficult for the Emperor to accept advice. The people around him praise him daily as wise and unbeatable, peerlessly sage. Even if he doesn't initially think so, with time, he'll come to accept: I cannot be wrong.

The ones in error are the ministers, who fail to comprehend his far-sighted vision.

The world's troubles are caused by these mediocre ministers!

Moreover, the Emperor, in order to maintain his authority, is unwilling to admit mistakes.

Back when Emperor Han Wu issued the decree at Luntai, it wasn't an apology, but a summary of gains and losses, and a realignment of the country's development direction. It's just the later generations distorted it to force imperial concessions, calling it a decree of self-blame.

Clever emperors grasp this fact clearly.

So unless it's absolutely necessary, even the most feeble emperor wouldn't issue a decree of self-blame, thinking there's a mistake on their part.

Regardless of whether the Emperor acknowledges it, history has its judgment.

How many affairs of ancient and modern times become subjects of banter.

For Xu Qing, whether good fame or bad, it doesn't matter, the key is for the world to remember him, so he, the Heavenly Demon, can remain immortal.

Therefore, he need not carry any burden of an idol.

Let the world laugh and rant, as for the big matters, I'll do as I see fit.

When the scholars learned the purpose for which Xu Liushou summoned them, they all looked puzzled.

Xu Liushou intended to refurbish the palace for the Emperor in Yingtian Prefecture.

Yingtian Prefecture already has the Imperial City; building another palace is truly extravagant.

Moreover, just a few months ago, the Ministry of Industry built a summer palace for the old Emperor at Huangshan, so he could have a place to escape the summer heat.

The ministers didn't oppose this, as this would also allow them to escape the summer heat.

Since the palace at Huangshan used cement, it further stimulated the cement business development.

But rebuilding a palace in Yingtian Prefecture, South Zhili, would signify more than just escaping the heat; it's a political sign.

It's the imperial power probing for a foothold in the South.

And who builds the palace, Xu Liushou, becomes the spokesman of imperial power in the South.

Previously, whatever Xu Qing schemed, everyone accepted, as there was profit to be made.

Now building a palace, this feels like a dragon landing on one's face.

Moreover, Xu Qing previously backed imperial power more as a favored minister of the Emperor.

Now building a palace for the old Emperor bears significantly different implications.

It's like wielding a whip, driving them like cattle.

Seeing everyone hesitate, Xu Qing slowly spoke: "Whoever wants to oppose, can tell me directly."

The esteemed scholars felt utterly disgusted.

If asked who approves, no one would speak up. Now asking who opposes, who would dare be the target?

Currently, the four big families led by Duke Wei were also present.

Duke Wei feigned to have passed out, claiming he caught a cold.

As for Xu Qing's rival, the head of the Wang Family, he also pretended to be deaf and mute.

Because not long ago, Elder Liang made a strategic retreat, directly knowledgeable, and the Wang Family was tricked by Huo Jing, leading to Huo Jing becoming the Grand Secretary.

It created a rift between Minister Wang and Elder Huo.

Who would have thought, before Elder Huo even settled in, Xu Liushou made a comeback.

Due to the tight schedule, Minister Wang had no chance to inform Minister Wang accompanying the Emperor on his southern tour, and could only improvise.

He feared botching things, and didn't wish to fall out with Xu Qing.

Who knows if Elder Liang's retirement was orchestrated by Xu Qing, laying a trap.

The Wang Family jumping in now would clearly mean walking into the trap.

Moreover, the Wang Family Head sensed subtly that with Xu Liushou's return, Elder Liang might want to come back to the Cabinet, but with Huo Jing already the Grand Secretary, how would they settle this?

Logically, if Elder Liang returns, Huo Jing would have to yield.

The Wang Family Head felt somewhat gleeful inside.

Even though there was kinship between them, Huo Jing indeed plotted against the Wang Family for his ascent.

And the Wang Family Head felt fortunate that Elder Brother Minister Wang did not become the Grand Secretary, otherwise, Xu Qing's comeback would be utterly awkward.

Who doesn't know, although Xu Liushou's rank is low, even without passing the Imperial Examination, he could manipulate the promotions of Third Rank officials.

It's said that Feng Xifeng, the Assistant Minister of Military Affairs, was the little elder, but in fact, it's not true. The true little elder has always been Xu Liushou.

He is the mastermind of the Reform Faction.

With a wave of his hand, clouds form, with a backhand, rain falls!

Unfathomable!

In Xu Qing's strong presence, the Southeast Gentlemen could only agree to fund and aid in building the palace for the Emperor.

Moreover, it had to be completed before the New Year, as His Majesty intended to celebrate in Yingtian Prefecture this year.

The construction period is extremely tight.

But with the financial power of the Southeast Gentlemen and the mechanical techniques of Fang Immortal Dao, it's not impossible.

After all, it's just a palace, not the Imperial City.

For Xu Qing, the intent behind building the palace is more of a loyalty test.

Having hidden motives is fine, it's human nature. But if anyone openly dares to oppose Xu Qing, he wouldn't hold back.

Even if Xu Liushou's blade can't kill a Martial Saint, or deal with the old Black Mountain demon, handling this group of spineless ones is a breeze.

Actually, the palace issue was all done first and reported later.

However, it doesn't matter, at night, just send a dream, let Yan Shan complete the process with the Emperor.

This is also the benefit of the Heavenly Demon.

Later, Xu Qing, holding down the Southeast, can also micro-manage the situation in the capital.

No need for Jinnang Miaoji tricks.

Moreover, as soon as there are messages from the capital, Xu Qing can be informed promptly and respond with ease.

It's equivalent to Xu Qing being able to send a telegraph while others can only send messages by carrier pigeons, the delay in news, if you don't perish, who will?

Understand the value of being an Outer Heaven Demon?

Plus with Xu Qing's demon technique reaching great success, along with Fang Immortal Dao's further development of mechanical techniques, Xu Qing might be able to establish a demon network to link critical places across the world, allowing everyone to communicate.