Chapter 286 The Divine Xu Gongming
Chapter 286 The Divine Xu Gongming (Part 1)
Yingtian Prefecture, a testing ground of the Ministry of Industry.
"The components here are not right..." said a Taoist priest covered in a black Taoist robe.
Taoist Gu put his hands on his hips and said, "What's wrong? I am the boss here now."
He interrupted the black-robed Taoist priest without any hesitation.
"Gu boy, how dare you talk to me like that."
"Uncle Master, I am now the leader of the Fangxian Dao. Look at you, you are neither human nor ghost now. If I hadn't pulled you out, you would still be locked in the box, tsk tsk..."
The Taoist priest in black robe was none other than Master Tianling.
After Xu Qing handed over the golden box where he was imprisoned to the old emperor, Taoist Gu found out and took the initiative to use his achievements over the past few years to redeem Master Tianling.
The key point is that the old emperor actually agreed.
After coming out, Master Tianling seemed to be under some kind of restriction and did not dare to resist the old emperor, but he also regained some freedom.
Of course, he also had to thank his "good nephew".
Since he is a ghost immortal who has been ravaged by thunder, it doesn't matter if his physical body is destroyed.
It was not time for Master Tianling to reincarnate yet, so he asked Taoist Gu to arrange a physical body for him to take over.
Now, Gu Laodao is the dean of Dayu Chaotian Institute of Technology and also the chief designer of Xu Qingtian Palace Project.
Tiangong Academy had no real power, but it gathered the best craftsmen in the country and was also the headquarters of the Physics School. The Physics School was the Fangxian Dao reorganized by Gu Laodao, and also accepted some children from the local big families of the Dayu Dynasty.
Most of these children of wealthy families are those who are ranked low in the family and have no hope of inheriting the family throne. It can be said that they have nothing to do except lying down and enjoying their wealth.
However, they are very interested in the physics school and the weird things in Tiangong Academy, and they are not short of funds.
Doing research and development has helped them find the meaning of life again.
It’s no wonder that sometimes Master Gu even needs to draw inspiration from these disciples.
Moreover, everyone has extensive connections and strong network of contacts, so if anything is needed, we can quickly find someone to get it done.
As for the patriarch and heirs of their family, they are happy that these guys have something to do. Even if they don't create any value, it is better than eating, drinking, whoring and gambling.
If something profitable is created, the family can get a share of the profits.
It can be said that with the help of Tiangong Academy, Gu Laodao’s potential influence is not much worse than that of the officials of the six ministries.
The key is that Tiangongyuan appears harmless on the surface.
The old emperor also liked this new institution and would occasionally come over to chat with Gu Laodao.
Elderly people may have more common topics and can be considered friends regardless of age.
Even though Master Tianling is a thunder-tribulated ghost immortal, his status is far inferior to that of Taoist Gu.
Taoist Gu often invites a few old immortals from the Taoist temple to Qinhuai River to learn the art of sex.
It is true that if you move a tree, it will die.
Now, as the nephew of Master Tianling, Taoist Gu is just riding on Master Tianling's head and shitting on him.
Master Tianling was so angry at being scolded by Taoist Gu that he said, "You just cling to Xu Gongming's thigh. Humph, Xu Gongming and I have a good relationship."
Gu Lao said: "Uncle Master, I advise you not to get too close to Xu Gongming. There are many hidden dangers here."
"Didn't you just go to Xu Gongming's duty room yesterday?"
"Well, but I can control it. If you act recklessly, I'm afraid you won't even have the chance to reincarnate." Taoist Gu advised kindly.
Master Tian Ling snorted coldly, "I don't care about that. You are getting bolder and bolder. You dare to question what I said. Tell me, is there any problem with this component? It should be used..."
It turns out that Master Tianling still has the attitude of working hard.
The component he mentioned does have problems and should be replaced with another material.
Gu Laodao explained.
This material is cheaper now. Although it is not durable and the quality is poor, its cheapness is its biggest advantage.
This thing is also sold to the public, and it is competitive because of its low cost.
As for the other material mentioned by Master Tianling, the cost is too high, and even if the quality is better, it is not easy to sell. And it can be improved later.
Seizing the market is the most important thing.
"Why do you reek of money now?" Although Master Tianling agreed with his nephew's reasoning, he was still not convinced.
Taoist Gu chuckled, "The world is bustling with people because of profit. This is the way of heaven. Uncle Master, you have ended up like this because you did not respect the way of heaven."
Master Tian Ling said sourly: "If I had come to Dayu before you, I wonder if you could still reason with me."
Taoist Gu said with a straight face: "I came here because I admired the king. You, Master, didn't understand the situation and became a prisoner. Who can you blame?"
Gu Laodao had to admit that listening to Xu Gongming's deception and coming to Dayu was the greatest blessing in his life.
Choice is more important than effort.
Birds can soar into the sky by clinging to the wings of the Roc.
Just say whether you have made it or not!
Master Tianling was interrupted by Taoist Gu and immediately changed the subject, "Humph, let's not talk about this for now. What other wonderful ideas do you have for Tiangong Academy?"
Although he spoke toughly, he was still full of curiosity about these new things in Tiangongyuan.
When Gu Laodao heard this, he became interested and took Master Tianling with him to the depths of the test site. "Uncle Master, take a look at this!"
He pointed to a huge mechanical device, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is a new type of waterwheel we are developing. Different from traditional waterwheels, it uses new mechanical principles and its efficiency is several times higher than before. If it is popularized, farmland irrigation will be much easier."
Master Tianling walked around the waterwheel and observed it. From time to time, he reached out and touched the delicate components. He was amazed in his heart, and then said: "The principles of these things are not complicated, but you can use these principles and combine them. You are really capable."
"Uncle Master, you don't understand. All of our products are made according to market demand. We make whatever is lacking in the market. With everyone working together, we can always come up with a solution. Regardless of whether the product is good or not, let's just make it first."
Master Tianling was touched by Master Gu's words, and he couldn't help but ask, "What if the market demand is too unreasonable and we can't make it?"
Gu Laodao said, "Uncle Master, you are wrong. Since there is such a demand, it must not be a fantasy. Combining with reality, we can always find a way to solve the problem. And we are not afraid of difficulties now, don't you join us? Could it be that you, a dignified Thunder Tribulation Ghost Immortal, would be stumped by the needs of mortals?"
Master Tian Ling stroked his beard and said, "Of course not."
"I've been waiting for you to say this. Come, give this task to my uncle..."
Tianlingshangren’s face darkened.
brute!
...
...
Elsewhere in Yingtian Prefecture, Li Xiuwen was busy with the warehouse inventory.
He was fully aware of the importance of this mission and did not dare to slack off at all.
Every time he inspected a warehouse, he carefully checked the accounts, not missing any details. Those tricks that were usually hidden gradually surfaced under his strict inspection.
"Officer Li, there's something wrong here!" a yamen runner pointed at a pile of goods in the corner of the warehouse and shouted. Li Xiuwen walked over quickly and found that the accounts of these goods were seriously inconsistent with the actual quantity.
He frowned, knowing that there must be some unspeakable secret behind this. As the investigation progressed, more and more problems were exposed.
Some dark corners of the officialdom of Southern Zhili are gradually being revealed.
This made officials with ulterior motives feel uneasy, and they tried to cover up their crimes or obstruct the investigation.
Xu Qing was sitting in his study at this time, quietly watching the intelligence coming from all over the place. His face showed no joy or anger, but he was planning his next move in his mind.
Prince Yu's increasing reputation in the north was indeed a big challenge for him, but it also provided him with an opportunity to promote reforms in the south.
"Sir, the Inspectorate has sent the latest investigation report." A servant walked into the study and handed a document to Xu Qing.
Xu Qing took the report, read it carefully, and couldn't help but sneer.
For a moment, the duty room was filled with chill.
...
...
At the Xu Mansion, Feng Wu was handling the affairs of the Jiangning Chamber of Commerce.
Although she was worried about her son's affairs, she still worked hard to relieve the pressure on her husband. "Madam, there is a Taoist priest outside who claims to be Wei Yuan and wants to see you." A maid walked in and said cautiously.
When Feng Wu heard this, he knew that Wei Yuan's arrival might bring some changes.
"Please let him in." Feng Wu said lightly.
After a while, Wei Yuan walked into the hall.
"Junior sister, long time no see." Wei Yuan greeted her with a smile. He looked gentle and elegant, and more noble than before.
"I heard that senior brother is now working for His Majesty and has joined the Shadow Guard." Feng Wu said with a smile, then asked the other party to take a seat and ordered someone to serve tea.
The two chatted for a while.
Wei Yuan hinted at his purpose.
He wanted to compete for the position of the crown prince of the Duke of Wei, and had already received the support of the old emperor.
Feng Wu's heart trembled.
She neither agreed nor refused.
Wei Yuan didn't seem to care about Feng Wu's attitude, and it seemed that he came to inform him of this matter.
...
...
Meanwhile, in the Military Academy, the Duke of Wei was trying to adapt to life here. He already knew why Xu Qing had arranged for him to come here.
Although he was somewhat nervous, he also understood that this might be his chance to prove himself.
"Prince, you can't be lazy in today's training!" an instructor from the Military Academy shouted.
The Duke of Wei gritted his teeth and tried his best to keep up with the training pace. He secretly vowed in his heart that he must make some achievements here, live up to his mother's expectations, and not let Xu Qing look down on him.
...
...
Xu Mansion, study.
Feng Wu saw Wei Yuan off and waited for her husband to come back while reading the court newspaper.
After Xu Qing came back, Feng Wu told him what happened today.
"Husband, what do you think?"
"Awu, who do you want to help?"
"Wei Yuan is the master's disciple. In terms of closeness, we should help him, but he has His Majesty behind him now. Moreover, the prince of Duke Wei had a feud with you, my husband..."
"So it's not good to help anyone, right?"
"Ah."
"Never mind then." Xu Qing smiled mysteriously.
As they were talking, someone came to report that the head of the Wang family and his wife were here to visit.
Xu Qing seemed to have anticipated this and asked Feng Wu to receive Madam Wang while he went to meet the head of the Wang family.
In the living room, the guests and hosts are seated.
"Sir Xu, this is a letter from my brother." The head of the Wang family directly took out a letter with the private seal of the Minister of Personnel Wang Gong.
The thing that Patriarch Wang was most worried about did not happen after all.
The siege of the capital had been lifted, and Wang Gong did not surrender to the enemy.
But now the situation in the capital is more complicated.
The Living Buddha of Snow Region has been named the Imperial Master by Prince Yu.
This is a blatant overstepping of authority.
Wang Gong sensed that Prince Yu was going to rebel, and he had to save himself.
Faced with this, the head of the Wang family thought that it would be better for his cousin to surrender to the enemy on the grassland. He took the initiative to kill his own cousin for the sake of justice!
Prince Yu's rebellion is just a replica of the Witchcraft Incident.
As for Xuanwu Gate?
The head of the Wang family is stupid and doesn't think that Prince Yu has this ability.
Xu Qing read the letter and smiled: "I already know about Minister Wang's concerns. Please rest assured, I have a solution."
Patriarch Wang couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Everyone in the officialdom of the Dayu Dynasty knew that getting a promise from Xu Gongming was better than getting a million gold.
He said, "I wonder what Lord Xu wants our Wang family to do. Our Wang family will definitely cooperate with us fully."
In the past, the Wang family had great influence in official circles, but they did not pay much attention to industry and commerce because they were minor matters.
To put it bluntly, with power comes wealth.
Once they have power, no matter how big the businessmen below are, they are just the Wang family's money bags and they can take whatever they want.
But things are different now.
Not to mention that Xu Qing is behind the Jiangning Chamber of Commerce, even the other families have formed their own chambers of commerce. The wealthy merchants and gentry have already formed a new interest group. The Wang family's alliance in the officialdom is already crumbling under the impact of this new organization.
They directly copied Xu Qing's experience in dividing the spoils to set up a new chamber of commerce. It integrates officials and businessmen, and has a more cohesive force and stronger organizational ability.
In comparison, the Wang family's approach is outdated.
Moreover, Wang Gong, the pillar of the Wang family, although he is the Minister of Personnel, has boarded Prince Yu's boat. It can be said that his future is precarious and on the verge of collapse.
Now even a blind person knows that the South has a better future.
But Wang Gong stayed in the north.
Xu Qing took out a portrait.
"Is this the portrait of our founder Chongyang?" Patriarch Wang took it and was startled at first, then he looked at it carefully. The more he looked at it, the more it looked like Xu Gongming.
"Nothing can be separated from the empty shell, and some people can realize it before they are born."
It is clearly the statue of Chongyang Patriarch.
Patriarch Wang was completely confused.
"Please send this painting to the capital, Master Wang. Please come and pay respect to it every day. All your doubts will be solved. Remember to be sincere..."
Xu Qing said slowly, then flicked his sleeves.
An evening breeze was rising slowly.
Patriarch Wang was in a trance, feeling as if he was in a cloud.
When he came to his senses, he was shocked to find that he was in the courtyard of Wang's family in Yingtian Prefecture.
"Xu Gongming, ghosts and gods are unpredictable." The head of the Wang family was terrified and awed.
Logically speaking, given his status and the blessing of the dynasty, ordinary magical powers would hardly work on him.
But Xu Gongming just turned away and sent him back to the palace.
Simply amazing.
What a magical power this is.
The servants were also surprised to see the master suddenly return home.
But dare not ask.
The head of the Wang family hurried back to the study and unfolded the portrait.
He looked at it carefully and found that it was indeed the statue of Chongyang Patriarch, but the face had turned into that of Xu Gongming, which even made him feel that Chongyang Patriarch might look like this.
He carefully packed the portrait and sent his most trusted confidant to deliver the family letter and the portrait to the capital as quickly as possible.
(End of this chapter)