Chapter 168: The Seven Constellations of the Blue Dragon, the Old Emperor's Intentions
Chapter 168 The Seven Stars of the Blue Dragon, the Old Emperor's Intentions (Subscription Request)
When the capital was in turmoil again, Xu Qing and Feng Wu went to Yingtian Prefecture. It was not that he brought his wife back to visit her parents, but Xu Qing had been studying at home for a while, and his spirit had grown. It was time to open up all the seven stars of the Azure Dragon.
If one wants to open up the Seven Stars of the Blue Dragon, the dragon energy of Yingtian Prefecture will naturally be of great help.
My father-in-law’s inspectorate office is located in Yingtian Prefecture, which is considered a place with relatively strong dragon energy.
Xu Qing naturally lived in the Inspectorate's Office.
On the other hand, before he came, he received a letter from Xie Quan saying that Yan Shan was retained in the capital and became a scholar.
Because this is an Enke exam, it is very different from previous years.
In previous years, the number of second-class Jinshi ranged from dozens to over a hundred, and was adjusted according to the level of the candidates in the palace examination and the emperor's wishes.
Because this year is an imperial examination, and the country recruits talents for the purpose of reform, the top three remain unchanged, while the number of second-class Jinshi is reduced to six, and the rest are third-class Jinshi.
Although Yan Shan did not perform well in the joint examination, his essay won the favor of the old emperor in the palace examination, and he was actually selected as the second place in the second class, which was the fifth place in the palace examination.
You know, this time in the palace examination, Xie Quan ranked only tenth, just out of the top two.
If Xu Qing said that Yan Shan's essay for the palace examination could be better than Xie Quan's, he would not believe it.
Xie Quan's psychological quality did not lead to his poor performance in the palace examination.
But for the palace examination, the bigwigs picked out ten papers and handed them over to the emperor for ranking. Generally speaking, the emperor would select the top four, the top three, and the first place in the second place.
Of course, the first place in the top three can also be called Chuanlu, but the problem is that Chuanlu, who is the same as the Jinshi, is not very impressive in the imperial examination.
This time, Yan Shan was actually the second in the second class, and Xie Quan was the first in the third class. If someone said it was not intentional, Xu Qing naturally would not believe it.
The top ten rankings are determined by the old emperor.
Originally, Xu Qing had already reached a tacit understanding through his old mentor Wu and Minister Zhang to allow Yan Shan and Xie Quan to return to Nanzhili to serve as officials.
Although this is somewhat destructive to the system, the key point is that now is a period of reform and special matters must be handled specially. If the Prime Minister agrees and the Ministry of Personnel goes through the procedures, basically there will be no problem.
I didn't expect that such a small matter would be noticed by the old emperor.
Xu Qing was actually not very surprised by this.
Because he had always been thinking of giving it a try regardless of whether there was any benefit or not.
Now it seems that the old emperor cares more about his affairs than he thought.
It’s not that Xu Qing is arrogant, but Yan Shan was able to rank fifth, and Xie Quan was exactly tenth, just outside the top two in this special examination.
There is no doubt that the old emperor did it on purpose.
Deliberate differentiation?
Yan Shan obviously made great contributions to the construction of Fushe in its early days, and he could be said to be the Xiao He of Xu Qing in the early days. Now that he was selected as a scholar, and not after a formal examination, it was obvious that the old emperor intended to keep him in the capital.
As the second in command in the early days of Fushe, Yan Shan would definitely be a sharp weapon if used against Fushe in the future.
As for Xie Quan, he joined Fushe later after all. Although he was famous, he had two weaknesses. One was his age, and the other was that as a son-in-law, he was naturally looked down upon when he was the leader of a faction, and it was difficult for him to serve as a sharp weapon to split Fushe in the future.
Now it is just right to use it to do things for Xu Qing.
The court's overall situation is in the southeast. For the sake of the southeast, some extraordinary favors can be shown to Xu Qing, but one should not be completely unguarded.
Now, Xu Qing's big backer, Lord Wu, has returned to the Beijing Inspectorate, and his father-in-law, Lord Feng, will also leave office after June. Therefore, even though Prefect He is about to be promoted to councilor of Nanzhili Province, the power behind Xu Qing in Nanzhili is actually not as strong as before.
Xu Qing knew very well that power was not in his own hands, but was an external thing that came and went quickly.
Why be happy about gain, and why be sad about loss?
He is no longer the ant who just woke up from a serious illness two years ago!
As we all know, there are essentially only four levels of power in the Dayu Dynasty.
The ant realm, the young friend realm, the fellow Taoist realm, and the senior realm.
When the power behind Nanzhili was strong, Xu Qing was firmly in the Daoist Friend Realm. Even if it has temporarily subsided now, with his own foundation, he is still firmly at the peak of the Small Friend Realm.
However, if he were to move to the capital, Xu Qing wouldn't be able to cause any trouble with his limited strength.
When a local tyrant is powerful in his local area, he can be as powerful as a dragon. But when he arrives at someone else's territory, hehe...
On the other side, when he arrived at the Inspectorate, Xu Qing discussed government affairs with his father-in-law as usual.
"Gongming, thanks to you this time, I can return to the capital to serve as a censor of six departments." Lord Feng was in high spirits and was happier than if he had asked for a concubine.
The Six Departments Censors are the ceiling of the middle and lower-level civil servants. They can be said to be the fighters among the trolls in the officialdom of Dayu.
When he gets ruthless, he even dares to criticize the emperor's decision in front of him.
After all, criticizing the emperor and the central government leaders is within the scope of the duties of the six-department censors.
This made my father-in-law very happy.
In addition, the six departments correspond to the six ministries, and the old father-in-law corresponds to the military department. But in fact, the six departments and the six ministries have no subordinate relationship, but are independent of each other.
As the seal-carrying officer of the military department, Lao Feng did not need to look at the Ministry of War's face. He could spit in the face of the Minister of War when he met him.
As a result, the job of the Inspector-General is no longer very satisfying.
As my father-in-law said, life is short and fleeting. We must seize the limited time, participate in central decisions, and do great things.
Xu Qing thought, don't you just want to get in earlier and criticize those important figures in the central government who were out of your reach in the past?
After all, no matter how powerful the six department secretaries are, they are not the actual decision-makers.
But they are indeed de facto participants.
Xu Qing's ambition is far greater than his father-in-law's.
If the central government of the imperial court is ok, Xu Qing will join them; if not, then another central government will be established.
This is also the essence of the Seven Stars of the Blue Dragon.
The dragon can be big or small, it can rise or disappear; if it is big, it can stir up clouds and spit out mist; if it is small, it can hide and hide its form; if it rises, it can soar in the universe, and if it is hidden, it can lurk within the waves.
Xu Qing was like a dragon, able to adapt to the situation and thus achieved success and dominated the southeast.
In short, when you hit someone, you should do it according to the natural order; when you don’t hit someone, you should know how to share the benefits and hide behind everyone.
After a round of political affairs, the old father-in-law felt more comfortable than reading the Book of Han while drinking.
Xu Qing takes care of the old and then takes care of the young. Without him, this big family will fall apart sooner or later!
When it was late at night and everyone was asleep, Xu Qing began to inhale and exhale the dragon energy of Yingtian Prefecture, connecting the seven stars of the Canglong.
The hidden vein of the Canglong Seven Stars has seven branches and a total of forty-eight star official acupoints.
Xu Qing still has not yet connected the Heart, Tail and Ji constellations.
There are three branches, with a total of eleven star official acupoints.
Among them, Xinxiu corresponds to the heart of the Canglong, and has only two star official acupoints.
The branch that Xu Qing wants to open up tonight is the Xinsu branch.
Now that it is summer, the seven stars of the Azure Dragon hang high in the night sky, their shapes clearly visible.
Xu Qing used the Xuantian Miaoyin Marrow Cleansing Method to stimulate spinal cord blood production, and then used the Golden Light Mantra to strengthen his Qi and blood and replenish his soul.
With a powerful soul, the royal energy of Yingtian Prefecture continuously flowed into Xu Qing's body.
During this process, Xu Qing's luck snake was also tainted with a bit of dragon energy, and its color became slightly pale yellow.
Cang means blue, and blue means mysterious!
At this moment, the little snake of luck in Xu Qing's body had a faint yellowish color.
For many days, Xu Qing practiced the Seven Stars of the Blue Dragon diligently late at night.
I have to say, he chose the right time.
In spring, the Azure Dragon rises from the horizon of the fields. This is what is meant by “seeing the dragon in the fields”.
Today, it has gradually moved to the middle of the sky, so it is called "Flying Dragon in the Sky".
Now is the end of April, which is the time when "Seeing Dragon in the Field" turns into "Flying Dragon in the Sky". In June, Flying Dragon in the Sky will reach its peak.
After June, in autumn, the seven stars of the Azure Dragon fall to the horizon, which is called "the arrogant dragon will regret"; in winter, the dragon is hidden and useless.
This roughly corresponds to Xu Qing's fortune this year.
When we went out to sea, we saw a dragon in the field. Now it is a flying dragon in the sky. The trend is set. When my father-in-law goes to the capital, we should be able to regret the dragon and keep some strength. In winter, we should not use the dragon in the dormant state.
No matter what, now the dragon is flying in the sky, good luck and good fortune.
Xu Qing made great progress, and the remaining star acupoints were opened one by one through hard practice night after night.
That night, Xu Qing sat cross-legged in meditation, and the dragon energy entered his body. Finally, the star official acupoints of the Jixiu hidden meridian were also opened.
boom!
At the "forehead" position between Xu Qing's eyebrows, it seemed as if all the blood and qi in his body shrank and reached this place. A faint shadow of a blue dragon appeared.
If you look closely, it seems like an illusion.
In an instant, Xu Qing exuded a majesty that commanded all living beings in the world, and there was also an unmeasurable mysterious aura.
Xu Qing had an idea.
His soul left his body from the "foreign palace" between his eyebrows and merged into the phantom of the blue dragon.
In an instant, the shadow of the blue dragon became much more solid.
Xu Qing seemed to have transformed into a blue dragon, flying in the sky and soaring in the night sky.
In the past, when his soul left his body alone, he could not fly too high without the support of any magical weapon, otherwise he would be affected by the Tiangang Qi and his soul would be harmed.
Now with the protection of the blue dragon's phantom, he was swimming in the sky like a fish in the water.
And it's extremely fast.
Soon, Xu Qing rode the blue dragon phantom to the Black Water Lake outside the city.
The stars are in the sky, and the starlight is in the water. Xu Qing's soul transformed into a blue dragon and swam in the water. Soon, a water dragon appeared and soared over the lake.
You can even vaguely see the dragon scales on the water dragon.
It was also quite powerful. When it swung its tail to the shore, it actually cut off a thick branch of a tree.
Just like the high-pressure water gun in Xu Qing’s previous life!
After a while, Xu Qing dispersed the water dragon, but his soul was still hidden in the blue dragon, flying freely.
"The magical power of the Purple Emperor Dragon Armor of the Seven Stars of the Azure Dragon is somewhat similar to the dragon magic skills in the film and television dramas of my previous life." Xu Qing's soul was wrapped in the Purple Emperor Dragon Armor, feeling particularly powerful.
This is still in Middle-earth, where the dynasty's fortune influences Taoism.
If it is overseas, the power will be even greater.
Xu Qing's soul was wrapped in the Purple Emperor Dragon Armor, and he felt particularly at ease, as if his soul was wearing a layer of armor. Moreover, this armor fits the soul very well, and there is no feeling of heaviness or burden.
Wonderful!
Xu Qing felt more and more the beauty of cultivation. As his soul flew like a dragon in the sky, he couldn't help but want to float away and stay away from the world.
But how is it possible.
His physical body is in the mortal world and needs earthly support.
To cultivate both the body and the soul, having only the spirit is like a flower without branches and leaves; it will wither soon.
It's just an illusion!
Xu Qing quickly collected his thoughts and waited until dawn. The first ray of purple air came from Zhongshan Mountain in the east and penetrated into Xu Qing's Purple Emperor Dragon Armor, and a ray of purple aura rippled.
The Purple Emperor Dragon Armor seemed to be able to eat.
Unfortunately, it is too picky and only eats the first purple rays of morning sun.
Xu Qing returned to the Inspectorate with a sense of unfulfilled desire.
Feng Wu saw the shadow of a small yellow dragon enter her husband's body.
She rubbed her eyes, thinking it was an illusion.
Xu Qing came out of meditation.
Feng Wu stepped forward and asked.
Xu Qing smiled and said, "This is a Taoist technique."
Feng Wu: "If this is a chaotic world, with what you did just now, I guess everyone would think you are destined to be king."
She paused and said, "It's best not to show this Taoist magic outside. The court is very taboo about this kind of Taoist magic."
Taoism related to dragons has always been taboo in the imperial court. Of course, there are some emperors who are not taboo, that is, they are broad-minded. But such emperors are a minority after all.
Most emperors are very suspicious by nature.
There are always villains who want to harm me. It is both a joke and the truth.
Xu Qing nodded. This magical power, even if not used, could still protect his soul. Plus, he had the five great demon gods as guardians. Even if someone like the Luo Cult leader came to kill him in person and used his magical powers, he might not be able to break Xu Qing's soul defense.
Of course, one needs to refine more purple energy to improve the quality of the Purple Emperor Dragon Armor.
This is just a slow process and can be practiced anywhere. Just remember to refine the morning sun purple energy every day.
Refining purple energy is also a characteristic of saints.
Haven’t you heard that the purple air comes from the east for thirty thousand miles?
...
...
"My lord, we are old acquaintances. There's no need to be so polite." After Xu Qing mastered the seven stars of the Azure Dragon, he returned to the Xu residence in Tianjing City and lived in the Inspectorate for a long time. Maybe others would really think he was a gigolo!
The person who came to visit this time was Marquis Wu Ding.
Marquis Wu Ding couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed when he heard this from an old acquaintance.
What old acquaintance? It's called no friendship without fighting.
But the previous grudges have disappeared in the eyes of Marquis Wuding.
With Xu Qing's current status and strength, he deserves his serious treatment.
Just as the two were about to exchange pleasantries, the eunuch Zhao Jinzhong, who was in charge of Yingtian Prefecture, also arrived.
When Marquis Wu Ding saw Eunuch Zhao, he felt a little embarrassed and greeted him, "Eunuch Zhao, why are you here?"
When Eunuch Zhao saw Marquis Wuding, he was shocked. This old guy is here to eat alone.
The two of them complained about each other, but on the surface they acted closer than brothers, and exchanged pleasantries with Xu Qing.
Xu Qing couldn't bear to watch it anymore, so he got straight to the point and said, "My two elder brothers, what do you want to talk to me about?"
Eunuch Zhao: "Xu Jieyuan, I know you have connections. The emperor plans to set up a weaving office in Jiangning Prefecture, specifically responsible for the silk business."
At this point, he whispered, "Actually, it's to monitor the movements in the southeast."
Xu Qing nodded. Jiangning Prefecture itself had people from the Inner Factory and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. For example, Tianxiangyuan was the base of the Inner Factory.
Now all the old emperor wants to do is legalize it.
Moreover, he openly planted spies in Jiangning Prefecture.
It is true that people who are used should be put forward, and those who are not used should be put backward.
Xu Qing knew that the old emperor wanted to guard against him, but he didn't expect him to act so decisively. First it was Yan Shan, then it was Jiangning Weaving House.
But my father-in-law was a censor in six departments, so he was given enough face.
Xu Qing: "What does this have to do with you two?"
Eunuch Zhao said, "Xu Jieyuan, we are old acquaintances. It is better to use the familiar than the new. The Jiangning Weaving House's responsibilities are still mainly silk business. Now you control the sea routes, the raw silk production areas, and you have your own dyeing workshop. The profits here are huge. I don't ask for anything else, just to get a share."
"What does the establishment of a weaving office by the imperial court have to do with me?" Xu Qing was surprised.
Wu Dinghou said: "Xu Jieyuan seems to be unaware of this. We have received news from the inner court that the Imperial Household Department is suggesting that Xie Quan be sent to serve as the Jiangning Weaving Supervisor."
Xu Qing was surprised. He thought the emperor would be on guard against him, but he didn't expect that the Jiangning Weaving Supervisor would be Xie Quan.
This is an agency that serves the inner court and does not need to go through the outer court.
The key point is that the person used is a civil servant from the outer court, and he has a close relationship with Xu Qing.
The emperor's move is quite interesting.
Although Xu Qing controlled raw silk, dyeing factories, and sea routes, the dominant force in maritime trade was naturally the imperial court. Otherwise, why would the imperial court send navy to eliminate pirates?
Today, the Jiangning Weaving Supervisor is Xie Quan, who is also the son-in-law of the Zhu family, a big family in Nanzhili. The Zhu family has a huge business.
This is equivalent to involving the Zhu family in the maritime trade dominated by the imperial court.
In this case, why would the Zhu family engage in smuggling? Wouldn't it be more profitable to become a royal merchant with a monopoly?
This set of operations.
Xu Qing was also tied to the court's maritime trade situation.
In this way, the silk business there will have fewer obstacles in the southeast and will also achieve a monopoly. Wouldn't that be a huge fortune?
The old emperor still has a vision.
After this stick, there are dates again.
There is no way the Zhu family would not accept this result.
Xu Qing grasped the old emperor's mind. No matter how much they earned, the old emperor's money could not be reduced by a penny.
Therefore, the emperor’s confidants must be involved in this.
As the old emperor's eyes and ears in the southeast, Marquis Wuding and Eunuch Zhao must be involved.
They are trying to curry favor with Xu Qing in advance, so that they won't be able to get involved when the time comes, or they will be cheated by Xu Qing.
These two people came here obviously to deliver a message to the old emperor.
Xu Qing knew that the arrogant dragon would regret it.
There was no reason for him to refuse.
He discussed the matter with the two of them in a very organized manner.
Eunuch Zhao and Marquis Wu Ding also breathed a sigh of relief, as they were afraid that Xu Qing would reject them, which would make things difficult.
Anyway, everyone can make money, so everyone will be happy.
Now, Eunuch Zhao and Marquis Wuding thought Xu Qing was very handsome, and they spoke to him more politely, wishing they could worship him as a Buddha.
...
...
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid that right now only the Blue Dragon Purple Qi may be able to heal your injuries." In the Wanshou Palace, the master of Chaotian Temple sighed softly.
"Blue dragon purple energy? Isn't there also dragon energy in the capital?"
The master of Chaotian Temple said, "Your Majesty, this is a spiritual injury caused by practicing Taoism. The Azure Dragon Purple Qi I mentioned can only be obtained by practicing the Azure Dragon Seven Stars in Zhoutian Xingshen Temple. It just corresponds to this disease."
"Zhou Tian Xing Shen Guan, Cang Long Qisu? Where is this method?"
"I don't know. This method is the top-level Zhoutian Xingshen Guan in Taoism. Perhaps the Heavenly Master of Longhu Mountain knows it." The master of Chaotian Temple pondered for a moment and replied.
The old emperor fell into deep thought.
He suspected that the master of Chaotian Temple mentioned Longhu Mountain on purpose.
But why not give it a try?
He suddenly covered his head with his hands; the headache came back again.
(End of this chapter)