Chapter 293: The Monster Catcher and the Immortal Merchant Alliance
Chapter 293: The Monster Catcher and the Immortal Merchant Alliance (Part 1)
Xu Qing returned victoriously, and the capital Yingtian Prefecture was filled with jubilation. He had made great military achievements this time, and the central government of the court had already discussed and decided to confer him the title of Prince's Guardian.
Although the title of Prince's Guardian is just an honorary title and will not have any substantial impact on the actual court structure, this title has special significance in the officialdom.
If one thinks about it carefully, there is a lot of profound meaning behind this.
In history, there were two famous people who served as the Prince's Guardian. They both made great contributions to the country, but died unjustly in the end. This undoubtedly cast a shadow on Xu Qing's promotion, and people couldn't help but speculate about the future.
Furthermore, the position of the Crown Prince's Guardian is inextricably linked to Prince Yu. As the de facto crown prince, the conflict between Prince Yu and Xu Qing has long been no secret.
On the other hand, the accumulation of military merits made Xu Qing's power more and more stable, and his position was as solid as a rock. His residence was located in Wuyi Lane of Yingtian Prefecture, which was once the gathering place of powerful officials in the Southern Dynasty. In the past, many powerful people such as Duke Wei lived here.
Since Xu's family settled here, Wuyi Lane has become more prosperous and lively, and many important officials who followed the emperor to the south have purchased properties here. Nowadays, the land here is very expensive, and even if the price is high, it is often out of stock.
But for Xu Qing, his real home is not this luxurious mansion, but the place with old sycamore trees, his wife and children.
Fortunately, the old Wutong tree has now been taken into his inner world, and his wife and children are also gathered in Yingtian Prefecture, so the family is always inseparable.
"Ten Thousand Immortals Merchant Alliance?" Feng Wu was slightly stunned when she heard her husband come up with this new term.
She knew her husband too well. He always came up with some ideas that seemed whimsical, but when she thought about them carefully afterwards, she found that they were full of profound meaning.
Feng Wu quickly accepted this concept and curiously asked the reason. Xu Qing did not hide anything from his wife and told her the truth. Since the concept of the Immortal Dynasty has been proposed, the corresponding concept of the Immortal Cultivation World should also come into being.
Xu Qing knew that, in the final analysis, this was to find something for those wealthy nobles who had made a lot of money to do. Instead of letting them indulge in a life of luxury and debauchery, it would be better to guide them into the right path of cultivating immortals.
Since ancient times, the pursuit of immortality has been an eternal topic for the world, especially for those "gentlemen" in high positions. Looking back at ancient myths and biographies of immortals in history books, it is not difficult to find that most of those who have achieved immortality were born in the landlord class, and there are also many powerful relatives.
Xu Qing's creation of the concept of "the world of immortal cultivation" was not a figment of his imagination, but a precise response to the deepest desires of those who now control most of the social resources.
Buddhism emphasizes reincarnation and fools people with the idea of rewards in the next life. However, Xu Qing takes a different approach. The path of cultivating immortals he advocates emphasizes cultivating in this life and pursuing transcendence in this world.
Cultivation is an extremely resource-consuming thing. This way, it can encourage those wealthy and powerful people to circulate the resources in their hands.
It can be said that those wealthy and noble families who can keep up with the pace of the times still have the opportunity to transform into immortal cultivation families; while those who cannot keep up with the times can only be eliminated by the tide of the times and continue to fall in class.
Of course, regardless of whether Xu Qing implemented these measures, in the historical process of changing dynasties, most families will face class changes. Survival of the fittest is the inevitable law of the operation of heaven. Xu Qing even secretly believes that human nature is also part of heaven's way.
In Xu Qing's conception, the Ten Thousand Immortals Merchant Alliance will provide a variety of cultivation resources for cultivators, but obtaining these resources is not easy. The nobles either spend a lot of money to buy them or complete special tasks assigned by the Ten Thousand Immortals Merchant Alliance. Many of the details need to be gradually improved in the future.
"My husband, are you still planning to use the Ten Thousand Immortals Merchant Alliance to create a check and balance or cooperate with the Monster Catching Bureau?" Feng Wu was meticulous and keenly aware of Xu Qing's deeper intentions.
The newly established special government office, the Monster Catching Department, was extremely secretive, but it was impossible to hide it from the real upper class. Some bigwigs even speculated that the Monster Catching Department's duties might not only be to eliminate harm for the people, but might also be related to the elixir refined by His Majesty.
After all, although demons are a disaster, they are also the product of the essence of heaven and earth, and are undoubtedly top-quality materials for refining elixirs.
Since ancient times, there have been many stories about powerful immortals slaying demons and exorcising monsters. A lucky demon may become a mount for an immortal, but an immortal does not need too many mounts. More demons, those with great abilities will be sealed, while those with less abilities will most likely become raw materials for refining elixirs.
Moreover, the power of the sealed demons will gradually weaken in the seal, and they will eventually be unable to escape the fate of being refined into elixirs. Otherwise, why would the place where the demons were sealed in Longhu Mountain be the alchemy well left by Zhang Tianshi?
In ancient times, there were many monsters and the human race was relatively weak. According to some records, the ancient people often had long lifespans and were tall, which was probably related to eating the flesh and blood of monsters. And those weak humans could hardly survive in such an environment.
In fact, according to official historical records, there were many wild animals in the pre-Qin period, and the population was sparse, so it was easier to eat meat than it is now. Of course, game meat is mostly not as delicious as domesticated livestock, so seasonings and spices are particularly important.
Some of the wars in the Middle-earth dynasties were launched for the control of these precious seasonings and spices.
Although the Central Plains dynasties have always emphasized benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness, in fact, the desire for land and wealth has long been deeply rooted in their bones.
Now, under the guidance of Xu Qing, whether it is the demand for raw material production areas and markets for industrial expansion or the massive resources needed for cultivation, it is enough to stimulate the strong expansion desire of the ruling class of the Dayu Dynasty.
Moreover, oppressing and exploiting all nations in the world can further consolidate the status of the Celestial Empire.
After all, who doesn't want to live a pampered life as a "master"? Extravagance and debauchery are human nature, and it is difficult to completely eradicate them. All Xu Qing can do is to guide them on the basis of conforming to human nature. The more he does in this regard, the smoother the practice of the demon will be.
He thought to himself, when he really cultivates to the level of the Three Pure Ones in mythology, who can still say that he is a demon? At that time, he will definitely be a dignified "immortal".
The biggest difference between immortals and demons actually lies in their right to speak and their stance.
After all, wasn't Zhang Tianshi still revered as an "immortal" when he used demons to make elixirs? For demons, this method was also the behavior of a "devil".
After Xu Qing and Feng Wu discussed many details in depth, they began to work on bringing Duke Wei into the group.
Duke Wei was still somewhat resentful towards Xu Qing because of his son's affairs.
However, after Xu Qing explained to him the idea of the Ten Thousand Immortals Merchant Alliance in detail, Duke Wei could not find a reason to refuse.
After Xu Qing's persuasion, he signed the agreement without thinking.
After Xu Qing left with the drafted agreement, Duke Wei finally woke up from his dream. He couldn't help but slap the hand that had just pressed the fingerprint, and said to himself in annoyance: "Why can't I control it!"
Afterwards, Duke Wei found his confidant Yan Fu and began to prepare funds and corresponding resources to join the Ten Thousand Immortals Merchant Alliance. It must be said that people do need the support of a career.
Duke Wei, who had been somewhat negative and lazy about life and was planning to give up, unexpectedly rekindled his fighting spirit after learning about the Ten Thousand Immortals Merchant Alliance.
After all, the more successfully his cultivation career progressed, the more likely he was to live longer.
Before, Duke Wei was troubled by the fight between his legitimate son and his illegitimate son. He really couldn't bear to see brothers killing each other.
But the Ten Thousand Immortals Merchant Alliance proposed by Xu Qing provided him with an excellent opportunity to ease the situation.
As long as he lived long enough, the dispute over the title of Crown Prince would be resolved. After all, as long as he, the Duke, was still alive, no one could take the title away from him, and no matter how much his sons fought for it, it would be useless.
This was also an important transition period for the Great Yu Dynasty. In the past, the heads of large families would pave the way for their descendants early on.
But now, a series of actions taken by Xu Qing and the old emperor have given some family leaders hope for longevity. They are full of expectations for the future, and therefore they hold on to power even tighter.
A good death is worse than a miserable life. They had previously opposed Xu Qing and the old emperor's reforms, but now they are full of hope that they can succeed and lead them to the path of immortality.
If they want to have a share of the future immortal dynasty, they must not let go of the power in their hands easily. For a time, many heirs of the family noticed that the family power they had gradually taken over began to shrink, and their fathers also began to be wary of them.
……
"Master Xu, I need these..." When Captain Zuo saw Xu Qing again, he felt a lot of emotions in his heart, as if things had changed and people had changed.
The young man who was full of vigor and vitality in Jiangning in the past has now become the pillar of the Dayu Dynasty. His every move can shake the southeast and affect the situation in the world.
He has become a great man who can truly change the fate of thousands of people.
However, Xu Qing's smile was no different from a few years ago, still gentle and polite, making people feel like they were in the spring breeze. He nodded seriously and carefully instructed the steward to write down Zuo Qianhu's needs one by one.
In fact, these are just trivial matters, but Xu Qing's attitude is extremely serious, without any perfunctory intention.
When Captain Zuo saw this, he was deeply moved.
"Brother Zuo, you don't have to be so reserved and polite with me. Xu Qing is still the same Xu Qing. Everything he does is just to make life better for himself and the people around him."
In front of Zuo Qianhu, Xu Qing did not talk about his lofty ambitions, nor did he say anything like "Every man has a share of responsibility for the fate of his country". Although the fate of the country today is, to some extent, determined by his thoughts. If someone else said that the fate of the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Great Yu Dynasty was on his shoulders, it would definitely be bragging, but what Xu Qing said was an indisputable objective fact.
"Mr. Xu, just address me by my title." In the face of Xu Qing's politeness, Captain Zuo still strictly observed etiquette and did not dare to overstep the mark in the slightest.
Xu Qing did not dwell on this issue any more and went on to tell us his plan.
"Master Xu is planning to take the demon's blood and fur?" Zuo Qianhu couldn't help but feel very strange when he heard this.
He is now in the Monster Hunting Division, and still retains the position of a thousand households in the inner factory, but his power is much greater than before. Moreover, this position of a thousand households can be inherited, and its value is extremely high.
"Eunuch Chen and I have already discussed this matter privately. It is impossible for the Monster Catching Division to catch living monsters every time. There will always be some accidents. Don't worry, it will not delay you from completing the task assigned by His Majesty." Xu Qing explained.
Zuo Qianhu was not stupid. He knew that this was a private transaction between his immediate superior and Xu Qing. In the officialdom, such things were common. Even if it really became an immortal dynasty in the future, it would probably be the same.
In fact, the old emperor knew this very well. Why were Eunuch Zhao and Marquis Wu Ding still valued by the old emperor despite having committed a crime? That was because they did not delay the things the old emperor had asked them to do.
For those in power, as long as they can help them get things done, issues like corruption are not a big deal.
Xu Qing's next words made it even more impossible for Zuo Qianhu to refuse. It turned out that the Shangqing Palace of Laoshan was also involved in this matter.
Zuo Qianhu was an upright man, but faced with such a situation, he really had no room to refuse.
After the discussion, Captain Zuo left the Xu residence in a daze. He knew in his heart that Xu Gongming might still be the same Xu Gongming in essence, but there seemed to be an invisible and intangible barrier between him and Xu Gongming.
He couldn't explain what this barrier was. But was there anything wrong with Xu Gongming? Thinking about it carefully, there really wasn't.
In Zuo Qianhu's opinion, if there was no Xu Gongming, the world would have been in chaos after the disasters in several northwestern provinces. Now, with Xu Qing's efforts, the world seems to be back on track, at least it is visibly moving in a good direction.
……
Yannian Palace.
"Although Master Xiong Chan is a high-ranking Buddhist monk, his understanding of the Tao Te Ching is extremely profound." The old emperor said slowly with a smile on his face.
Nowadays, he often invites Xiong Chan to Yannian Palace to exchange his experiences in spiritual practice, especially his insights into the Tao Te Ching.
Xiong Chan is indeed an extraordinary person with extraordinary wisdom.
He seized this opportunity keenly, and when communicating with the old emperor, he talked about the Tao Te Ching. Every word he said touched the old emperor's heart and won the old emperor's heart.
Now, his status in the palace is rising day by day, and he is almost on par with the master of Chaotian Temple.
Because of the emperor's trust and esteem, Xiongchan's status rose rapidly, and the layout of Dachan Temple in the south also benefited from it, becoming more in-depth and extensive.
In particular, many conservative forces who were dissatisfied with Xu Qing subconsciously moved closer to Xiong Chan.
Of course, Xiong Chan is a smart person who knows how to deal with people. He is never provoked by these people. He always cooperates with Xu Qing's instructions and never compromises.
He is well aware of the principle of being as good as water, and acts in a low-key manner without losing his sense of propriety.
During this process, the influence of Dachan Temple reached a new peak in all dynasties.
Especially in several major seaports, there are pagodas built jointly by large Zen temples and local gentry. These pagodas tower into the clouds, like bright lighthouses, guiding the direction for passing ships.
"Your Majesty is a true saint, and you can understand all the laws of nature. No matter Buddhist teachings or Taoist scriptures, they are all based on your Majesty's principles. My humble practice is nothing more than showing off my skills in front of an expert, and is not worth mentioning." Xiong Chan clasped his hands together and said very humbly.
"Master, you are always so considerate when you speak. Well, that's all for today. I have some words from the bottom of my heart that I want to talk to you about," said the old emperor with a smile.
Xiong Chan was shocked when he heard this. He knew very well that since the old emperor wanted to "open his heart", there must be something important to discuss. He was afraid that he really wanted to "open his heart"!
Although he was on guard in his heart, his expression remained calm. He smiled, clasped his hands together, and said, "I am listening to your teachings."
What the old emperor said next was indeed beyond Xiong Chan's expectations.
It turned out that the old emperor intended to let him and Xu Qing take the lead in jointly compiling the Taoist and Military Classics. This would undoubtedly be the greatest achievement of the Wanshou Dynasty.
In order to accomplish this grand event, the old emperor even said that he could give all the relevant royal collections to Xiong Chan and Xu Qing for reading, so that they could select the best from the dross and compile a classic that would be passed down through the ages.
For a moment, Xiong Chan really couldn't figure out the old emperor's intentions.
But no matter what, once he can successfully accomplish this task, his status among the practitioners in the world will be incomparable.
This kind of temptation was really impossible for him to refuse. He secretly wondered why the old emperor's routine was so familiar, just like another Xu Gongming!
It has to be said that under the influence of Xu Qing, the level of power struggle in the Dayu Dynasty has reached a new peak in all dynasties.
Nowadays, even a cunning old fox will be confused when faced with the sweet treats thrown by political enemies or accomplices.
Because some things, at first glance, seem to have only advantages and no disadvantages, but over time, they become...
Kung fu lies beyond poetry.
The essence of Xu Gongming's moves is that they are like a fairy from the sky, and at first glance, there is no trace to be found.
By the time you react, they have already eaten it all.
As for myself, I did get some benefits, but when I came to my senses, I found that others had already distanced me from them.
This is how Xiong Chan feels now, but for the moment, he can't refuse.
He had no choice but to thank the king for his grace and then said goodbye.
On the way out, Xiong Chan had to admit that the biggest gap between him and Xu Qing was that Xu Qing had now become a chess player on the chessboard, and could even make rules like the old emperor.
No matter how powerful he is, he still has to follow other people's rules.
It's always frustrating.
Xiong Chan even deeply understood that this was a hint from the old emperor.
Only by cooperating with the old emperor can Xiong Chan become the one who makes the rules.
Xiong Chan vaguely understood the old emperor's thoughts.
Is this a chance given to him by the old emperor?
Can he also "set rules" for others like Xu Gongming?
If this is successful, it will undoubtedly be a tonic elixir, but this elixir may also be "poisonous".
Xiong Chan clasped his hands together and whispered, "If I don't go to hell, who will?"
(End of this chapter)