Chapter 506: Chapter 506

Therefore, many ministers in the court favor supporting a new monarch, aiming to gain merits akin to following a dragon.

Xu Qing signaled everyone to calm down and listen to him.

Next, he will participate in the affairs of pacifying the Southwest. He plans to take with him the Recovery Society members who failed the recent examination to suppress the rebellion in the Southwest.

Participation in practical affairs will greatly train them.

As for the society members who passed the examination, they are certain to become scholars. Except for those ranked at the top, all need to undergo observation in politics and participate in the court examination. It is a time of reform, and exceptions for promotion frequently occur.

Xu Qing needs them to stay in the capital now, to participate in the logistics work for this rebellion suppression, to understand the court’s process in quelling the rebellion, and to comprehend the meaning behind each government affair...

Regarding the operation of the court and the considerations of various details, Xu Qing will evaluate everyone upon his return.

"In short, everyone here is intelligent. I dare not guarantee that everyone will have a prosperous official career in the future, but I can assure you that every effort made for the country will be rewarded by the court. If not, I will personally seek fairness on your behalf." Xu Qing not only instructed them on what to do but also provided assurance.

Speaking of credibility, Xu Liushou surpasses the court by several streets.

Even Xu Liushou’s enemies have to acknowledge this point.

Xu Gongming of Jiangning, not only is he the timely rain but also known for his trustworthiness.

After discussing major issues, Xu Qing dismissed the society members but kept Yan Shan alone.

Yan Shan reported on recent major and minor affairs in the capital.

He currently holds the position of Assistant Minister of War, so he delegates many tasks below, but he must often supervise and understand the specific contents.

"Earlier this winter, because you joined forces with various noble families and nobles to operate under the name of the North Zhili Immortal Coal Chamber of Commerce, you provided many impoverished people who could not afford immortal coal with it for free, resulting in significantly fewer deaths from cold than in previous years. However, there were also those who misused the coal, leading to poisoning and death. I was concerned someone might make a fuss about this, so I suppressed it directly."

Yan Shan specifically talked about the issue of immortal coal poisoning.

Actually, among those poor people who received free immortal coal, almost none had similar issues because much of what was distributed was embezzled by those below, so the coal they received was not much and of poorer quality.

Despite this, they were unwilling to use it lavishly, only resorting to it when they couldn’t endure the cold anymore.

Moreover, for families in such circumstances, their living places are inevitably leaky.

In truth, those poisoned by the combustion of immortal coal were often affluent families. Having heard about the supposed longevity benefits of the coal, they kept their rooms sealed and unventilated, allowing harmful gases to enter their bodies, especially while sleeping, making fatalities likely.

Xu Qing had deliberately mentioned the relevant precautions when selling the immortal coal and repeatedly emphasized it in the Shuntian Times and New Citizen Newspaper, but the more it was stressed, the less people believed it.

Some clever people thought Xu Qing said this just to make the coal burn faster and sell more.

Some of them got into trouble and then blamed Xu Qing and his group, considering it a quality issue.

They even wanted to take the opportunity to stir up trouble.

Yan Shan certainly did not indulge them, besides, Capital Governor Xu Zhongyi, being a partner in the firm, easily settled the troublemakers.

Moreover, behind the immortal coal business are several nobles and influential families.

In Yan Shan’s view, petty people fear power but lack virtue; these troublemakers are insignificant people, and there is no need to be polite to them.

Previously, Xu Qing was preparing for the examination and imperial examination, so Yan Shan did not disturb him with these matters. After all, Xu Qing had given him autonomous power and said to temporarily not be bothered with mundane matters.

Now, Yan Shan reported these matters without concealment to the resident authority.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing said, "Our Recovery Society is not afraid of reasoning things out; reason becomes clearer the more it is debated. This matter should not be blocked, but I suggest you collaborate openly with the Forensic Doctor and Shuntian Prefecture to investigate thoroughly where the fault lies, and uncover the clues and evidence clearly. Additionally, ensure the details of this case are fully disclosed in the New Citizen Newspaper and Shuntian Times."

At this point, he paused, "Do not worry that this matter will tarnish the immortal coal business. Indeed, we initially misled everyone into believing that immortal coal had supposed benefits like longevity, but now, after using it themselves, people will naturally understand the true benefits of immortal coal. At this stage, we don’t need these misleading promotions; let us be straightforward and honest. Don’t treat others as fools; do what is necessary."

Yan Shan hesitated for a moment and then said, "Without these additional claims, it’s easy for others to imitate immortal coal."

Xu Qing smiled, "Weizhong, you still don’t get it. This is not only His Majesty’s business but also the court’s business. Even if someone imitates it, it would merely accumulate wealth for His Majesty and the court. Certainly, like official salt, the immortal coal business will inevitably be divided among the world’s nobles and influential families, but that’s something for many years to come."

Continuing, he said, "Moreover, the technology leak could allow more people to survive the harsh winter. That’s beneficial."

Yan Shan did not anticipate such intentions from the resident authority and could not help but say, "You possess a compassionate heart for the people, but in doing so, our interests might suffer significantly."

Xu Qing shook his head, "Now, for the mechanisms I’m having Daoist Gu study, each one created is equally a lucrative tool as the immortal coal. Making money is easy; changing the world, however, is extremely difficult. Weizhong, unlike others whom I tempt with the benefits of promotion and wealth, my approach with you is different. You possess the talent for practical utility but using it merely for my and the court’s profit underestimates you. People like us, even with mansions of thousands of rooms, only sleep on a bed a few feet long. Even with billions of wealth, how much can one spend daily? Even if I am a cultivator, with significant expenses, it’s not in ordinary wealth."