Chapter 225: Longevity Rice and the New Prime Minister

Chapter 225: Longevity Rice and the New Prime Minister

Chapter 225: Longevity Rice and the New Prime Minister

Xu Qing pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "The rice seeds you mentioned are interesting. It is impossible to promote them all over the country in a short period of time, but we can give it a try first. By the way, if you are free tonight, let's go to Eunuch Chen's house to have a vegetarian meal."

"Are you talking about Chen Zhong, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department? Would it be bad for me to go there?"

"That's fine. People like us just need to behave properly and do the right thing. In fact, His Majesty is not afraid of what we do, but is afraid that he doesn't know what we are doing." Xu Qing hit the nail on the head and explained the way of being an official in the Wanshou Dynasty.

Speaking of which, this banquet between Xu Qing and Chen Zhong was also a business matter that had been arranged.

Lao Gu was researching steam engines at the Ministry of Industry and needed a place to conduct experiments. After searching for a long time, he found a suitable grassland in the Imperial Stables.

This area naturally exceeds the authority of the Ministry of Industry.

Xu Qing didn't know the eunuch of the Imperial Stables, so he found Chen Zhong and discussed the matter with him in the evening.

Great eunuchs like Chen Zhong also have mansions outside the palace, which are very grand. When they are at home, they are no different from gentry.

It's no wonder that a eunuch like Chen Zhong is not necessarily worse than many Jinshi in terms of culture, and he is even better in miscellaneous history.

This is because many of the eunuchs who were able to enter the Imperial Household Department in this dynasty had to study in the Inner Academy, and many of the teachers were Hanlin scholars.

For eunuchs in the deep palace, if they want to seek advancement, history books are a must-read; otherwise, they will not know how they will die in the future.

They did not need to spend a lot of energy like normal scholars and waste it on the Four Books and Five Classics and eight-legged essays.

It is not surprising that he is more knowledgeable than some Jinshi in some areas.

Before Xu Qing came to the door, he specifically took two rare copies.

He also informed them in advance that Master Xiong Chan would be attending the banquet today.

Chen Zhong expressed his surprise and delight at this.

It's time.

Wenqu and Wuqu of the Dayu Dynasty visited the eunuch's mansion at the same time, making Chen Zhong smile from ear to ear.

Although he was a very capable person, he was also very arrogant by nature. He would treat anyone who was useful to him as his own father, and he would never compromise on the old emperor's words.

This is also the character that Chen Zhong created for himself, and it is also the secret to his rise to power.

He was very open-minded. He had no children, so there was no need to leave any way out. Now that he was successful, he just wanted to be unbridled.

Moreover, in the imperial palace, there was usually only one reason why eunuchs were overthrown, and that was falling out of favor, which had nothing to do with what they had done.

In Chen Zhong's opinion, Xu Qing is the most favored person in the capital right now, without a doubt.

Xu family's son Xuanhu is now being raised by Concubine Shou.

This year is called Wanshou, and His Majesty is seeking immortality. The title of Concubine Shou is a "Shou" character. This shows how much favor Concubine Shou is enjoying. Concubine Shou is over 40 years old, has no children for many years, and is the de facto head of the harem.

In terms of origin, Xu Xuanhu, as an adopted son, could be said to be extremely noble in the Dayu Dynasty.

Even Prince Yu's biological mother's status was lower than Concubine Shou's.

It can be seen how favored Xu Liushou is nowadays.

After exchanging greetings, the group sat down.

Although it is a vegetarian meal, there is music and dance.

Like other eunuchs, Chen Zhong also took a concubine.

In fact, eunuchs often have strong sexual desires because their sexual desires cannot be satisfied, so there really shouldn’t be too many couples living together in the palace.

For practitioners, lust is very easy to see through. Even if they are very fond of it, they will not indulge in it too much.

For example, Lao Gu, after coming to the capital, except for the initial period, he didn't spend much time playing, just occasionally going to the Ministry of Rites and the Inspectorate to relax.

It's just entertainment.

The same is true for Xiong Chan.

After he became successful in martial arts, he broke his vow of chastity and even had an illegitimate child in the temple. This was also the request of the previous generation of abbot Xukong.

There was even a brief romance between Abbot Xukong and a Taoist master.

It is not uncommon for masters like them to meet powerful female cultivators, exchange experiences, and occasionally engage in polite dual cultivation when they are in the same mood.

Of course, the prerequisite is that the other party is willing and goes with the flow.

In fact, in ancient times, it was common to have sex outside of marriage. Today, the emphasis on reputation and integrity in etiquette and law is the result of the development of the times and is inevitable.

But it has not always been this way.

After eating and drinking, Xu Qing and Chen Zhong dismissed their attendants and got down to business.

"Mr. Xu, I have already informed the eunuch Qin Xiang of the Imperial Horse Administration. I have already arranged the pasture you requested. When the time comes, the eunuch Zhang Kun from the Palace of Heavenly Purity will take you there."

Qin Xiang was also the eunuch in charge of the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Zhang Kun was a young eunuch whom Xu Qing had met in Wenyuan Pavilion before. Now he was appreciated by the eunuch ancestor of the imperial palace and sneaked into the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

Xu Qing first expressed his gratitude, and then mentioned Master Xiong Chan, and his plan to present longevity rice to His Majesty.

In fact, Xiong Chan did not mention the name of the rice, but in order to use it as a good omen, Xu Qing casually gave it this name.

Xiong Chan had witnessed the true secret of Xu Qing's dominance in officialdom, which was shamelessness, extreme shamelessness.

After a while of conversation, even Huangliangmi was brought into the conversation.

Xiong Chan almost vomited blood.

If Xu Qing hadn't sent a message saying that this matter would be of great benefit, Xiong Chan would have left on the spot.

This time the main purpose is to communicate with Chen Zhong first, and then report the matter to the old emperor.

After the banquet, Xu Qing and Xiong Chan left.

...

...

"Gongming, we didn't mention the yellow rice beforehand."

Xu Qing rolled his eyes and said, "Master, the yield of the yellow sorghum rice in your Great Chan Temple is too low. You might as well give it away. This is a great meritorious deed for the world. Don't worry. If you give me the yellow sorghum rice seeds, I will give you three times the yield of the Great Chan Temple every year in the future."

"No, it has to be at least five times."

"No, Master, you must have tampered with the rice seeds. I still have to ask you for rice seeds every year. Three times is already more than enough. And the rice seeds are at a different price."

Xu Qing's last words calmed Xiong Chan down. He said, "Growing yellow rice is extremely labor-intensive and resource-intensive. Are you sure you can do it?"

"No matter how good the territory of Dachan Temple is, can it compare to the entire world of Dayu Dynasty?" Xu Qing asked back.

This one sentence stopped Xiong Chan from speaking.

Xu Qing continued, "Master, we should have a clear mind. His Majesty has been thinking about your Great Zen Temple's money for a long time. If you really don't give it to him, he asked me to find a way. Do you think I want to do it or not? After all, there is nothing I haven't done in the Great Yu Dynasty."

Xiong Chan's face turned dark. After interacting with this kid for a long time, he found that he really deserved a beating.

But what Xu Qing said made sense. If the yellow rice was kept, this would be the only output. If it was sold out, the yield would be higher. Besides, the rice seeds were in the hands of the Dachan Temple.

The key point is that now that he has become a Martial Saint, he does need more resources and he also has the ability to protect these resources.

"But are you really sure that you can let His Majesty use the grassland of the Imperial Stables for cultivation?"

Xu Qing: "Master, you don't know that most of those pastures are not used to raise horses now."

Xu Qing explained the joints involved in detail.

Originally, the pastures of the Imperial Horse Administration were used to raise horses, but after the country was shattered a hundred years ago, the power of the civil officials increased greatly, and they intended to prevent the royal family from raising horses and strengthen the central military. Moreover, the eunuchs of the Imperial Horse Administration also found that instead of raising horses, it was better to go directly to the border towns and grasslands to trade and buy horses.

Nowadays, the process of buying a horse directly is omitted, and people just rent horses to deal with inspections.

As a result, many grasslands were rented out for growing crops, or used for other purposes, or even left idle.

The abandonment of the Imperial Horse Administration’s pastures was a relief for the horse-breeding households, because the imperial court’s horse policy was too harsh. Under normal circumstances, there shouldn’t have been too many horse-breeding households that fled.

Now the corruption of the eunuchs in the Imperial Stables has become a good policy in the eyes of the horse owners.

"No wonder the combat effectiveness of the cavalry of the Dayu Dynasty has declined so quickly." Xiong Chan couldn't help but sigh after listening.

He now thought that there might be similar things happening in his own Da Chan Temple, and he would have to rectify the situation after returning.

These days, whenever I do something, my subordinates are always a bunch of insects holding me back.

Xiong Chan couldn't help but envy Xu Qing's Fushe. They were willing to go to such a remote place as Qiannan. Their enlightenment was much higher than that of the monks in Dachan Temple.

If Xu Qing knew Xiong Chan was thinking this way, he would definitely roll his eyes.

If he hadn't solved the staffing problem and made such a big promise, I wonder if anyone would go.

After this group of people leave, I wonder how many of them will not be able to endure the hardship and will run back.

I guess we will know only on that day.

Xu Qing dealt with Xiong Chan and Chen Zhong and went home to rest.

Xu Qing could see that Xiong Chan wanted to use Wanshou rice to monopolize the grain production in Northern Zhili. But for Xu Qing, increased grain production was not a bad thing.

Of course, it was impossible for him to let Xiong Chan get his wish.

Using the imperial farm to increase production is to set an example so that everyone can understand the benefits of improved breeding.

In the future, the high-yield crops introduced will actually compete with Xiongchan's rice seeds. Competition will help lower prices.

Moreover, Xu Qing knew very well that high grain yields required development in many aspects, especially fertilizer, which was the key. If he and Gu Laodao solved this problem, all other rice varieties would have to stand aside.

When doing things, we should do it step by step. We should start now and then improve it gradually.

I hope he sees that day.

For Xu Qing, doing these things gives him a stronger sense of satisfaction and refreshes his mind, which is better for his soul than meditation. After all, when the meaning and value of life are realized, the spirit is indeed different.

If you are poor, you should take care of yourself; if you are rich, you should help the world.

If he were now in a precarious situation and in poverty, he would definitely be selfish and not care about the lives of people. But after satisfying his material desires, the situation would be different.

When the granaries are full, one knows etiquette; when one has enough food and clothing, one knows honor and disgrace.

He didn't know what other people would feel, but his own experience and mood changes were roughly the same.

Xu Qing would not laugh at others for being selfish, because a person's actions, character, and choices, in addition to being innate, are also closely related to the environment and circumstances.

If my aunt had insisted that my uncle adopt a son, kicked him out of the house, and even failed to take good care of this body when it was seriously ill.

Xu Qing also found it hard to imagine what he looked like now.

He understands his own heart better, which is that he can do what he wants without breaking the rules.

I have the ability to do what I want to do, and I have the ability to refuse what I don’t want to do.

This kind of longevity is the meaningful longevity for him.

Life is about being comfortable.

Xu Qing returned home leisurely, and saw his wife practicing hard.

Now the two of them are in tune with each other and have a wonderful sense of connection, which is also related to the Book of Destroying Love that Feng Wu practiced.

Love is a very wonderful thing. It comes from nowhere but is so deep.

For Xu Qing, it is difficult for him to describe this feeling in detail, but there is no doubt that life without Feng Wu is incomplete for him.

As usual, Xu Qing came back and told Feng Wu about the matter.

As long as a couple is of one mind, they can be the best business partners.

Unless it was something particularly shameful, Xu Qing would explain it clearly to Feng Wu and even discuss it.

When he is alone, he always makes mistakes. It is always a good thing to have Feng Wu by his side.

Xu Qing made fun of himself, this is called Xu Mou Feng Duan.

Xu Qing has a lot of ideas, but he also needs his wife to help him make decisions. However, Feng Wu’s decisions are often Xu Qing’s own ideas.

This is a harmony of the sounds of nature and earth.

In this process, both sides also continuously increase their understanding of the world.

To understand worldly affairs is to practice.

"My husband has done a great job in this matter, but I am worried about another thing. I am afraid that Master Xiong Chan will understand a truth from this. Instead of fighting against the court, it is better to join the court and steal the highest power." Feng Wu pointed out an extremely important hidden danger.

If the Martial Saint confronts the imperial court, it will certainly be extremely dangerous, but the imperial court is not incapable of resolving the problem.

But what if the Martial Saint takes the initiative to join?

The transfer of power in the country is by no means impossible.

Feng Wu continued, "I think Master Xiong Chan is different from many masters. He has a strong desire for power. For many masters, court disputes are obstacles to practice. In my opinion, Master Xiong Chan regards these things as part of his practice, just like my husband."

Xu Qing couldn't help but admire his wife's clear insight.

In terms of conditions, Xiong Chan is no worse than Xu Qing. Once he learns Xu Qing's approach, many things will go smoothly. Moreover, even if Prince Yu does not have any contact with Xiong Chan, Xiong Chan will naturally get Prince Yu's support.

Because the court needs balance.

There is no doubt that even if Xu Qing and Xiong Chan are brothers, they will be like water and fire when it comes to the fundamental interests of both parties.

But it doesn’t matter. After the fight, we can continue drinking and admiring the moon.

You and I have a dispute over the great principles, but I also deeply admire your cultivation.

Do not conflict.

It’s lonely at the top. Only when we are in the same place can we appreciate each other, which is also a spiritual comfort.

Xu Qing smiled and said, "Awu, do you have no confidence in your husband?"

"Hmph, I'm just curious about what my husband's plans are for this?"

Xu Qing: "Awu, don't forget that everyone must die, and the Martial Saint is no exception. All saints and sages in ancient times have died."

Feng Wu understood what Xu Qing meant. No matter what kind of power Xiong Chan would gain in the future, it would be nothing more than a ripple in the long river of time and space.

However, Xu Qing had a profound influence on Xiong Chan's practice, which was already a victory for a practitioner.

Although my body perishes, my teachings remain.

Who wins and who loses?

This is self-evident.

She suddenly realized that in the struggle among practitioners at a higher level, it was indeed a struggle over the great way and the path of practice.

To refine the void and merge with the Tao is to transform oneself into the Tao and merge with the Tao. This is the path to truly pursue immortality.

Tao is the way.

What Xu Qing did was exactly the core of the Zifu Yuanshen's way, which is "He Dao".

Becoming an immortal is just a superficial appearance, while conforming to the Tao is the fundamental.

As for what realm is considered to be in harmony with the Tao, and what "Tao" Xu Qing will eventually be in harmony with, these are things that Xu Qing is far from understanding at present.

He only knew that he had not taken the wrong path.

If you fail, it's a problem of ability and nothing else.

Xu Qing added: "Master Xiong Chan is indeed a genius. When he came to Beijing, he mentioned that Brahman and I are one and pursue the true emptiness. If his nature is true emptiness, even if he is influenced by me, it is still true emptiness. But if he really achieves this, I can only admire him. He deserves to win."

Feng Wu pursed her lips and smiled: "Then my husband, please work harder. I don't want you to lose."

Then his eyes were filled with affection.

...

...

After a good night's sleep.

Zhang Kun, a young eunuch from the Qianqing Palace, came to convey the imperial edict.

Xu Qing followed him to Wanshou Palace.

Xu Qing felt a little regretful for not meeting Xuan Hu.

After some greetings.

"Little monkey, what do you think about the Prime Minister's mourning?" Emperor Wanshou asked while sitting casually on the jade bed, holding a Taoist scripture.

"I think Your Majesty should take away the love." Xu Qing said honestly.

The old emperor smiled, took out a memorial and threw it in front of Xu Qing.

It was the memorial from Minister Wang of the Ministry of Personnel that expressed the same view as Xu Qing, which was that he hoped the old emperor would take back the love.

After Xu Qing read it, he immediately said, "Your Majesty, please reprimand Lord Wang."

The old emperor: "Doesn't he share the same opinion as you?"

Xu Qing: "When you are in a position, you should do your job. As the Minister of Personnel, it is your duty to uphold the system of mourning. Now, you have exceeded your duty and tried to let Your Majesty take away your love. This is not the way for a minister."

The old emperor: "Isn't the seizure of love also a supplement to the system of mourning? How can Minister Wang exceed his duty?"

Xu Qing: "Because the seizure of love is a favor from the emperor, it is not for the ministers to interfere."

"Then how can you say that?" The old emperor said with a smile.

Xu Qing: "So I have overstepped my bounds. Your Majesty, please punish me."

The old emperor was embarrassed, wondering if this kid and the old king had such a big grudge that they had to perish together. However, he liked it most when his subjects fought each other, and Xu Qing's performance was just what he wanted.

He said, "Chen Zhong, draft an imperial edict to reprimand Wang Gong and fine him one year's salary. As for Xu Qing, give him the same treatment."

Chen Zhong held back his smile and accepted the order.

Upon seeing this, Xu Qing expressed his gratitude directly.

He didn't care about Wang Gong's idea at all and directly blocked the opponent from the starting position. Xu Qing had a lot of blood and was not afraid of hurting others and himself with the Seven Injury Fist.

The old man was also happy if the emperor could find an excuse to reprimand him occasionally.

This is human nature.

Then Xu Qing talked about Wanshou rice and Huangliang rice, and said that Xiong Chan planned to pay tribute to the best Huangliang rice.

The old emperor's eyes lit up when he heard this.

Xu Qing added: "I feel that the things in the Great Zen Temple are not of a clean origin. If there is any evil spirit at work, it may not be beneficial to the dragon's body, so I refuse."

The old emperor was disappointed again and said, "I am the Son of Heaven, I am not afraid of any evil spirit harming me."

Xu Qing: "I thought so too, but I always thought about what to do if something happened, so I specifically asked Master Xiong Chan to write a blood sutra to purify the spiritual rice, so that everything will be safe."

The old emperor nodded in approval, "You are the one who can do things with confidence."

Then the old emperor changed the subject and said, "Xu Qing, who do you think is more suitable to be the Prime Minister after Zhang Ge Lao's mourning period?"

(End of this chapter)