Chapter 652: Chapter 652

In order to quickly equip the Heavenly Palace with formidable attack strength, he immediately convened core members like Tian Ling Shang Ren and Gu Lao Dao to jointly discuss the subsequent completion plan for the Heavenly Palace.

"Both seniors, although the Heavenly Palace can now stably hover and absorb royal energy, its attack strength is still too weak, far from becoming an invincible magical treasure. I wonder if you have any thoughts?"

Tian Ling Shang Ren gently stroked his beard, squinted his eyes slightly, and after a moment’s thought, he said, "We can try to integrate more exquisite mechanical techniques and the powerful strength of cultivators into the Heavenly Palace. For example, by inscribing complex defensive runes on the outer walls of the Heavenly Palace... At the same time, we can also set up various attack mechanisms inside the Heavenly Palace, such as cannons and fireball ejection ports..."

Gu Lao Dao nodded in agreement: "Indeed, in addition to this, searching for special materials to enhance the quality of the Heavenly Palace is also crucial. I’ve heard that in the Extreme North, there is a type of ore called Cold Crystal Jade, which is extremely hard..."

Xu Qing nodded slightly: "What you both said is very true, please trouble yourselves to promptly arrange for this matter. I will allocate some manpower to assist you in searching for Cold Crystal Jade, ensuring the completion plan for the Heavenly Palace progresses smoothly."

Regarding the subsequent plans for the Heavenly Palace, Xu Qing still trusted Tian Ling Shang Ren and Gu Lao Dao, after all, professionals are always needed for professional tasks.

The old Emperor was extremely satisfied with the appearance of the Heavenly Palace, and for this purpose, he specially held an exceptionally grand banquet. The banquet was full of singing and dancing, with fine wines and exquisite foods filling table after table.

The old Emperor was in an excellent mood, and at the banquet, he bestowed elixirs upon the ministers that could cure all diseases.

Initially, the ministers were skeptical, as elixirs that could cure all diseases sounded too miraculous.

However, when they tried them after returning, they were amazed to find that long-standing illnesses showed obvious improvement, and some older ministers’ previously frail bodies were suddenly revitalized, as if they had gained new life.

It had to be said that the old Emperor’s move was truly brilliant, directly winning the ministers’ hearts. After all, for those in power, illness is often the greatest enemy; not only can it weaken bodily functions, but it might also affect the stability of power. The old Emperor’s elixir undoubtedly gave the ministers peace of mind. The source of this content ɪs ⓝovelFire.net

Then, a small rumor emerged, saying the old Emperor had actually concocted an immortal pill that could prolong life.

This news was like a huge stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring up waves of astonishment among the ministers.

With the birth of the Heavenly Palace, the ministers’ respect for the old Emperor deepened considerably, feeling as though the old Emperor’s heavenly power was unfathomable, like a divine being standing on the clouds, controlling their fates.

But the old Emperor never seemed interested in interfering with political affairs; he seemed more willing to watch the development of everything from behind the scenes.

He even trusted Xu Qing more than before, granting Xu Qing significant power. Besides not having the title, Xu Qing was almost the acting Emperor of the Great Yu Dynasty now, handling most of the Court’s affairs.

In official circles, it was even rumored that showing slight disrespect to Your Majesty might not be a big deal, after all, the old Emperor didn’t seem to care about such trivialities. But offending Xu Liushou and the Champion Marquis would be a serious issue!

In short, in the Great Yu Dynasty, both civil and military officials with a guilty conscience feared Xu Qing more than they respected him. They knew well that Xu Qing’s methods and abilities were enough to ruin them in the officialdom.

Conversely, those clerks who had just entered the Government Office for work respected Xu Qing more than they feared him. They, newly entering officialdom, had not yet been affected by the many vices of the bureaucracy, and seeing Xu Qing seeking welfare for grass-roots officials and doing practical work for the people, they were full of admiration.

This was also a strange polarization; Xu Qing’s influence was greater among the lower-level officials, while the middle and upper levels feared him more than they harbored virtue.

Xu Qing understood that this was human nature.

For the middle and upper-level officials, with or without him, they could gain substantial benefits using their status and connections.

But those lower-level officials could, under Xu Qing’s leadership, receive a bigger share than what their level used to afford, and they could genuinely change their destiny, so they were filled with gratitude and respect for Xu Qing.

If we liken this to Journey to the West, the old Emperor symbolizes the Jade Emperor, holding the highest power in the Heavenly Court, dignified and majestic.

Xu Qing is like the Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad, possessing extraordinary wisdom and formidable power, silently advancing the development of the situation from behind the scenes.

Xiong Chan resembles the Western Old Buddha, having his own power and belief, occupying an important place in the Great Yu Dynasty’s power structure.

As for the dual saints of the Great Yu, they are like the top fighters of the Heavenly Court, their martial strength high, pillars maintaining the rule of the Great Yu Dynasty.

In conclusion, the current power structure of the Great Yu Dynasty is exceedingly stable; various forces balance and depend on each other.

For example, Xiong Chan has a good personal relationship with Xu Qing and never offends Xu Qing, but he clearly leans more toward the old Emperor.

Moreover, the Great Monk is extremely "practical," to demonstrate his loyalty, his tribute was personally his blood-written Tao Te Ching. This sincerity, the old Emperor cannot help but be moved.

A Martial Saint, to show his loyalty, directly forsakes his belief; such resolution and courage are impressive. When the Heavenly Court matures, it’s almost impossible for the Great Monk not to take the Western Old Buddha’s position!