Having learned his lesson, Qin Mu's injury this time made him somewhat nervous. Previously, he had only encountered top-tier martial artists. While their attacks were incredibly powerful, they were predictable; one couldn't withstand them, but Qin Mu was somewhat confident in his ability to dodge.
Spiritual energy cultivators are different. When they reach a high level of cultivation, their methods become complicated and difficult to defend against, so they must learn secret techniques.
Qin Mu set two goals for himself. The first was to quickly unblock all his blood vessels and become a Grand Scholar, so that his body would be filled with righteous energy and ordinary means could not harm him. The second was to cultivate secret techniques so that he could master enough offensive and defensive techniques.
Moreover, without cultivation, how can one understand how enemies will attack and how to defend oneself after cultivation, so that one will always have a clear concept in mind?
Confucian secret arts attack more directly; the higher the cultivation level, the more powerful the attack. Taoist secret arts, on the other hand, attack more mysteriously and with more variety.
The Seven Secret Arts of Yin Fu in this classic text do not record many secret techniques, but the ones that can be practiced are quite satisfactory to Qin Mu. The Tengshe Real Intent Method is a method of mental attack; the Lingyishi Loss and Exchange Method is a collection of secret techniques from the Guigu School.
The most basic secret techniques are the Five Elements Secret Techniques mentioned by Li Gang: Vajra Body Protection Technique, Rejuvenation Technique, Water Mist, Earth Escape, and Fireball.
The Vajra Body Protection Technique is a spiritual energy protection technique, ten times stronger than a simple spiritual energy protection technique. When it is cast, it draws in metal-elemental spiritual energy in conjunction with secret hand seals. This spiritual energy originates from the dantian (energy center) and is transformed by the five internal organs. Therefore, the requirement of natural talent lies here; without that talent, the five internal organs cannot bear the burden brought by the spiritual energy.
The Rejuvenation Technique is used to draw upon the energy of plants to treat injuries and illnesses.
The Water Mist Technique creates a water mist area. Within this area, others cannot see the path, nor can they detect it with their divine sense, because the summoned water mist belongs to someone and will repel the divine sense of others.
Earth Escape Technique is indeed magical, allowing one to connect with the earth and escape to a distance of a thousand meters—that's right, a thousand meters. With Qin Mu's current cultivation level, he can only use it twice; any more than that, and his body won't be able to withstand it. In other words, it can only be used to escape for his life.
As for fireballs, they're simple—an attack spell, but also rather useless. Those with high cultivation levels can't break through the protective aura of their spirits with fireballs, while those with lower cultivation levels don't need such a troublesome method.
Basic spells are something you have to learn, since they form the basis for later spells. Their only use seems to be creating corresponding runes for others to use.
"Mu'er!"
Seeing Qin Qiong's serious expression, Qin Mu sensed something was amiss and stepped forward respectfully, asking, "Father, is there anything you wish to instruct me?"
"The imperial court is going to wage war against Shuofang, and I, your father, will also be going on the expedition. You should keep a low profile," Qin Qiong said.
"Use troops! Now?" Qin Mu asked in surprise, not expecting war to be so close to him now.
"It's already winter, so of course we won't use troops now. But precisely because it's winter, the troops will be quietly moved over. If we really need to use troops, we'll have to wait until after the New Year. This matter must be kept secret, just keep it in mind," Qin Qiong said, shaking his head slightly.
"Yes! I understand." Qin Mu nodded, then asked curiously, "How many troops will be deployed this time? The imperial court can't possibly mobilize too many people, can it?"
"To deal with Liang Shidu alone, we don't need too many men, but Liang Shidu has ties with the beastmen and is also entangled with the powerful families in the northwest, so we need to mobilize quite a few people. Most of the generals in Chang'an will have to go to various places to guard the area," Qin Qiong explained.
"Wouldn't Chang'an be left empty in that case?" Qin Mu said in surprise.
"It's not really an empty city. As the capital, we certainly have backup plans, especially since Chang'an is protected by a powerful formation. It's just that too many experts have left, so there's no one to protect you for the time being. But don't worry, because of this, the court is even more sensitive to any disturbances in Chang'an. As long as you don't leave Chang'an, you'll be safe," Qin Qiong reassured him.
"Okay. I won't leave Chang'an unless it's something important." Qin Mu breathed a sigh of relief and nodded in agreement.
"That's good. You can stay at home and teach your younger siblings well," Qin Qiong said with a smile.
Feeling Qin Qiong's concern, Qin Mu felt a warmth in his heart. He hadn't felt this kind of worrying advice from his parents before they went on a long trip for many years.
"There have been quite a few talented people coming to Chang'an recently, most of them for the spring examinations after the New Year. Will your departure, Father, affect the spring examinations?" Qin Mu asked.
"The Spring Examination is for the court to select talents, but most of them are from humble families. There are also some proud people who want to compete with the best talents in the world, but in general, none of them can be considered experts," Qin Qiong said, shaking his head slightly.
"Why is that? Don't the experts participate in the Spring Examination?" Qin Mu asked, puzzled.
"That's right. Most of the so-called experts are from various powerful families. They are the source of their confidence in staying in their local area and they don't easily leave their territory."
Qin Mu frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and said, "So, there are no experts from the various aristocratic families in Chang'an?"
"Yes, apart from those serving in the imperial court, everyone else who comes to Chang'an keeps a very low profile," Qin Qiong nodded.
"No wonder I haven't seen many spiritual cultivators. There are many experts outside?" Qin Mu murmured.
"In general, it's definitely not as many as Chang'an, but it shouldn't be underestimated. You'll need to be extra careful when you go out in the future," Qin Qiong reminded him solemnly.
"Okay. Don't worry, why would I go out if there's nothing wrong?" Qin Mu nodded.
"How could you not go out? With the talent you've shown, His Majesty will definitely appoint you to an official post." Qin Qiong said with a smile. He was extremely pleased with his son; he had brought him great honor. Compared to the younger generation of other families, he was far more outstanding. The Qin family didn't need to worry about having no successor, which was Qin Qiong's greatest peace of mind.
Qin Mu was slightly taken aback. He sensed that Qin Qiong's words were quite likely; Li Shimin would definitely send him to take up a post outside the capital. He was considered both a scholar and a warrior, making him the perfect candidate to oversee a local post. With his home in Chang'an, the court would feel most at ease sending him to a post outside the capital. Moreover, given his age, he was too young to enter the central government. If he remained in Chang'an, he would only be able to stay in the Six Doors (a government agency) indefinitely.
Officials always need to be promoted, but becoming the chief constable is impossible. With Qin Qiong around, no one else in the court would agree to him taking control of a department. Besides, there are so many meritorious people out there, so it's unlikely that it will be his turn. In other words, being transferred to a post outside the capital is inevitable, and it won't be for long.
The Six Doors! The Six Doors! Qin Mu quickly realized that the Six Doors was just one of Li Shimin's strategic moves. If the campaign in Chang'an went smoothly, it would inevitably be extended to the provinces. Using the Six Doors to suppress local forces was probably Li Shimin's real purpose.
Aristocratic families! There are many aristocratic families that have existed for hundreds or even thousands of years throughout the country. These families have been entrenched in their localities for countless years, and the imperial court has very little control over them. Even though successive dynasties have continuously cracked down on and exploited them, as soon as the old ones are gone, new ones emerge. The imperial court can only do its best to appoint direct officials to compete for power with local forces.
Historically, the imperial court has had few troops stationed in local areas, making it inconvenient to station them there, as this would stir up the sensitive feelings of local powers. Therefore, a local government office is the most suitable option. A government office that can investigate cases and seek justice for the people will certainly be supported by the local populace, leaving local powers with no grounds for objection, unless they feel they have done something wrong and dare not allow the Six Doors to be established.
"Father, you're right. I'm afraid the Six Doors will be implemented in local areas after the Spring Examination," Qin Mu said with a sigh of relief.
"Implement it locally?" Qin Qiong was taken aback, not understanding Qin Mu's meaning.
"His Majesty has practically allowed the Six Doors to recruit people, precisely to expand the system to the local level. I'm afraid many of the first batch of Six Doors personnel will be sent out to other places." Qin Mu, seeing Qin Qiong's expression, realized that Qin Qiong hadn't actually thought of these things, so he explained his guess.
"Hmm! Your guess is probably true. That means you might be transferred to a post outside the capital after the New Year," Qin Qiong said, frowning. He hadn't expected to be separated from his son so soon after their reunion, but he was a loyal man and would definitely support Qin Mu's transfer.
"Your Majesty also knows that I am about to be promoted to Grand Secretary. Once I am promoted to Grand Secretary, it should be time for me to be sent to a post outside the capital. After all, a Grand Secretary can protect himself even when sent to a post outside the capital." Qin Mu said with a smile. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that this was the truth. This plan should not be a spur-of-the-moment idea. It just so happened that he appeared at this time and met the conditions, so Li Shimin went with the flow.
“While the Grand Secretary is indeed impressive, you should not underestimate the local powers. In their eyes, this is nothing. Every family has one or two top experts.” Qin Qiong frowned and said, then shook his head slightly after thinking for a moment and continued, “No, I must ask His Majesty not to grant you an official post outside the capital for the time being. After all, you have only been cultivating for a short time and do not have enough means to protect yourself.”
"Father, don't worry. Cultivation isn't something that can be rushed. You can still cultivate even if you're sent away. Even if I'm not strong enough, do you think the local authorities would dare to kill me? Unless they want to face the wrath of the imperial court. Besides, this is just our guess, and it's not even certain whether I'll be sent away," Qin Mu quickly reassured him.
"Hmm, not bad. Even if you are sent out to other places, you won't be the only one. If you are really sent out, I will ask His Majesty to arrange for experts to protect you," Qin Qiong said calmly.
Qin Qiong's affection for Qin Mu has always been very obvious, which has touched Qin Mu deeply. Now he has completely integrated into the family. The father and son left the study and the family enjoyed a delicious meal together.
The Six Doors' several major operations also provoked the Bad Guys, who also launched two operations to crack down on petty thieves in Chang'an, catching a number of thieves.
There's no way around it; even in another world, there are plenty of petty thieves, and they're impossible to catch completely. However, thanks to the actions of the Six Doors and the Bad Guys, Chang'an City has indeed become much cleaner, at least many citizens are praising it.
This winter in Chang'an is more bustling than in previous years because the reconstruction of eight wards and markets requires the recruitment of many workers and the purchase of supplies, keeping many people in Chang'an busy.
The bustling city of Chang'an in winter was full of life, which pleased Li Shimin greatly. This was the first winter since he changed the era name, and it was more lively than in the past. Didn't this show that he was more powerful than his father?
The clean streets, with only the white paint on the houses indicating that it was after a heavy snowfall.
Li Shimin exhaled a puff of white breath and revealed a satisfied smile.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, all the people had moved into their new homes before the heavy snow. These brick and stone houses are not only warm, but also won't collapse under the weight of the snow," Wang Gui explained with a hint of concern.
The transformation of this market town involved a real investment of money. Although a lot of land was acquired, it was insignificant compared to the investment. Only the commercial street could slowly recoup its costs.
Countless aristocratic families cursed Qin Mu in their hearts, for it was his proposed construction standards that forced them to invest significantly more. However, these people also had to admire Qin Mu, because all the reconstruction of the market towns and underground waterways had to be planned uniformly according to the requirements of the imperial court. The streets and houses built as a result were not worried about water accumulation at all. Even during the autumn rains, drainage was not affected, and the streets paved with gravel were no longer muddy as before.
Li Shimin was worried about the people, as many had frozen to death in previous winters. So, a month ago, he issued an order that people must move into their new homes before the first snowfall. Today, he came to inspect the situation.
The wide streets, the brick and stone buildings, and the rows of new houses—Li Shimin walked through them once and felt very satisfied. He kept smiling and nodding along the way, which made Wang Gui quite happy. Although it cost a lot of money, it was worth it to receive Li Shimin's praise and make him satisfied.
A large group of people left Hepingfang and arrived at Yongyangfang. Upon entering, they were slightly taken aback. Compared to the neighboring Hepingfang, Yongyangfang looked similar, but there were significantly more people on the streets. Although people dispersed upon seeing them, many were indeed outdoors. This puzzled them; shouldn't people be staying indoors in this weather?
Yongyang Ward is the most chaotic and poorest ward in Chang'an, everyone knows that, but now everyone is wearing clean, unpatched clothes. How is that possible?
"Your Majesty! What I've suggested might not work for you. Why don't you ask the common people?" Qin Mu said with a confident smile, looking into Li Shimin's eyes.
Li Shimin glared at Qin Mu but didn't say anything. However, Zhai Changsun, who knew him well, had already run out and called over a few commoners.
"Old man, are you all from Yongyang Ward?" Wang Gui asked, stepping forward. It was his first time visiting the ward that Qin Mu had renovated, and he could tell at a glance that it was better than the one next door. Not wanting Qin Mu to steal the spotlight, he wanted to find out what tricks Qin Mu had played.
"Your Excellencies, we are all residents of Yongyang Ward, and we have lived here for decades," an elderly man with a wrinkled face but good spirits replied respectfully, bowing with a hint of fear on his face.
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