CHAPTER 525: CHAPTER 224: ELDER LIANG’S HARDLINE STANCE, GRAND SECRETARY OBSERVES MOURNING (PART 3)

Chu Land is already the most productive grain province in the realm, with the Grand Secretary personally promoting this matter, it is sure to yield results.

"These crops you mentioned, do they really have such high yields?"

"I, Xu Qing, dare not guarantee it, but the Grand Secretary could select some points to trial and personally verify. If it indeed proves beneficial, it can be gradually promoted."

"Hmm, agricultural production is a major national affair, it cannot be rushed. I will remember what you said and, once back, will think it over thoroughly."

The thing he appreciated most about Xu Qing was that he could always find an advantage in an unfavorable situation, being both bold and meticulous, daring to take responsibility.

Xu Qing also felt that the Grand Secretary possessed a grand vision.

If it were any other high-ranking official being instructed by him like this, and furthermore being asked to concern themselves with agriculture, they would surely feel displeased.

The Grand Secretary, however, did not feel any discomfort because, in his view, this matter was beneficial to the country.

Xu Qing then said, "I have an impertinent request."

"What is it?"

"Since you are going to resign to observe mourning anyway, why not make it a stepping stone..."

The Grand Secretary held back the urge to smash Xu Qing’s head with an inkstone upon hearing his plan.

It turned out Xu Qing intended to ask the old Emperor for a forced resignation and had the Grand Secretary hesitant, then the old father-in-law and Elder Wu would submit memorials urging the Grand Secretary to observe mourning.

This way, one could earn a great name.

Moreover, both the old father-in-law and Elder Wu were part of the Reform Faction, making this act a noble deed of great sacrifice.

Furthermore, both elders belonged to the Pure Stream system.

This move would help to gain a voice within the Pure Stream.

As they say, in the battlefield of public opinion, Xu Qing wanted both the civilian and official narratives, aiming to firmly grasp both.

Seeing the Grand Secretary’s displeased face, Xu Qing said, "If it were up to me, I would also willingly be this stepping stone."

The Grand Secretary resisted the urge to retort, your parents died early, didn’t they!

A failure as a son.

But Xu Qing made a valid point.

He endured!

The Grand Secretary waved his hand, "You go prepare yourself."

He almost laughed from the anger!

Xu Qing sighed with relief and gave a deep bow.

The Grand Secretary did not look at him and only sighed deeply after Xu Qing left.

With Xu Qing’s skills, when Prince Yu ascends the throne, he would likely become Xu Qing’s plaything.

How could he compete against him?

Forget it, for the sake of the realm, Prince Yu will just have to tolerate the injustice.

In the following days,

the news of the death of the Zhang Family’s old master created an uproar in the Capital.

"Dawn has broken!" Many among the Conservative Faction couldn’t help but "celebrate joyously."

For a moment, everyone found it hard to believe that this event was real.

...

...

"Your Highness, you must be extremely cautious at this time." Teacher Dai said with a smile, but immediately came to remind Prince Yu.

"Yes, Teacher, I understand." Prince Yu had learned his lesson from past experiences.

The Grand Secretary’s resignation, in fact, wasn’t beneficial to him either.

To put it bluntly, the reforms were for the good of the nation, and also for his own benefit.

"Do you think the Grand Secretary will stay?"

"Without Xu Qing, the Grand Secretary would certainly resign out of love. Now, the Grand Secretary will certainly leave. Dai suggests that Your Highness should..."

Prince Yu listened attentively to every word Teacher Dai said.

After listening, he said, "Teacher’s words indeed clear the fog."

It turned out Teacher Dai’s suggestion was to take this opportunity to have Left Imperial Censor Huo Jing transfer to become the Minister of Rites and enter the cabinet.

Then, another person would fill the position of Left Imperial Censor.

Once the Grand Secretary leaves, Elder Liang’s promotion to Grand Secretary is inevitable.

However, Teacher Dai regretted that had Wang Gong not been appointed Minister of Personnel, there might have been a chance for him to become Grand Secretary with Prince Yu’s support.

...

...

Wang Gong almost spat out a mouthful of blood; he held back once more, for the position of Grand Secretary was almost his!

The Minister of Personnel is the head of the external court, but how could it compare to the position of Grand Secretary? The key point is that he is not a Cabinet Minister now, and thus lacks the qualifications to compete for Grand Secretary.

He quickly calmed down, suddenly thought of a brilliant idea, and drafted a memorial requesting the Grand Secretary to "resign out of love"...

A memorial was submitted, causing an uproar in the court.

...

...

At this moment, Xu Qing was sitting leisurely with Xiong Chan.

"Gongming, aren’t you planning to get involved in the Grand Secretary’s resignation?" Xiong Chan smiled.

Xu Qing said, "The affairs of the Court are for the ministers to decide. Master, our energy should be focused on dealing with the Demon of Black Mountain."

He naturally knew that after Xiong Chan entered the capital, not only did he manage the Martial Arts tournament with his help, but he also took the opportunity to make connections with princes and high officials.

As the Martial Saint of this era, Xiong Chan’s Mystical Sound while chanting was greatly beneficial to the human body, and many overly indulgent princes and aristocrats showed great improvement after listening to Xiong Chan’s sermons.

It could be said that Xiong Chan was now seen as a Living Buddha in the eyes of many princes and scholars.

In terms of influence, he was not any less impactful than Xu Qing.

After all, these people were very afraid of death.

Xiong Chan slightly smiled, "In dealing with the old demon, we can only do our best. Beyond this, I wish to do something of great merit with Gongming, I wonder if Gongming is interested."

"Master, feel free to instruct whatever is needed."

"Gongming, do you remember the Yellow Millet Rice?"

"Of course I remember, how could I forget this thing."

Xiong Chan said, "Actually, after years of research at the Great Zen Temple, we’ve cultivated a rice variety on the basis of Yellow Millet Rice with thirty percent higher yield than current rice, if Gongming cooperates with me in promoting it, it would greatly benefit the realm."

Xu Qing knew very well that increasing grain output relies not only on breeding but also on improvements in fertilizer and other areas.

If it were that easy to increase yield, Xiong Chan wouldn’t bring it up just now.

The Great Monk, though an ally, had his own considerations.

After listening carefully to what the Great Monk said, he asked, "Master, is it that the seeds can only be acquired at the Great Zen Temple?"

He unveiled the Heavenly Secret with one remark.

Xiong Chan’s expression changed.

He did not expect Xu Qing to guess directly the most crucial point.

Xiong Chan said, "Gongming, you indeed possess profound wisdom, but this matter is definitely a great good deed."

Xu Qing fell into contemplation.