Dao Equaling the Heavens
Chapter 60 - 60 52 Dao Foundation Second Level

60: Chapter 52 Dao Foundation Second Level?

60: Chapter 52 Dao Foundation Second Level?

Gu Wen stepped out of the carriage and saw that the royal residence was surrounded by imperial guards in heavy armor, all equipped with spears, crossbows, swords, and shields.

The average armor weight of a Daqian soldier was forty kilograms, while the typical imperial guard wore iron lamellar armor, weighing up to fifty kilograms, which under normal circumstances could not be worn every day.

Inside Bianjing, the daily attire of the imperial guards was cloth armor and chain mail, so the ability to wear iron lamellar armor on a daily basis meant they must be the elite of the imperial guard, and the most loyal soldiers of the Emperor.

One of the imperial guard’s three divisions was the esteemed guard.

As Gu Wen approached, a barrage of icy stares was cast his way, and some of the imperial guards had already drawn their powerful crossbows.

Compared to the external forces previously stationed in Bianjing and the central forces guarding the city, the aura of these imperial guards was significantly more formidable—not only in their presence but in the very essence of a strong military force.

It was normal, considering that even an incompetent Emperor wouldn’t neglect his own safety, let alone the Lord Emperor who might be heedless but was definitely not inept.

If the pursuit of immortality wasn’t mere folly, the absurdity of causing famine in three consecutive years of plenty made much more sense—the Lord Emperor was simply an archetypal lone despot.

“Lower your weapons, show respect for Marquis Wen.”

A deep voice rang out, followed by a General in golden armor and a red-feathered helmet, with a commanding presence, stepping forward.

Gu Wen recognized this man, Jin Liang, the commander of the valiant guards, one of the leading imperial guards.

His ancestors were regarded as founding heroes of the state and just two years ago, Jin Liang was nothing but a profligate son.

Fond of visiting brothels, he had once pursued Yang Shanyu, the Oiran of Qianfeng Tower.

Perhaps because it was somewhat embarrassing to his family lineage, Jin Liang was confined at home.

During his escape, lacking funds to enter Qianfeng Tower, Gu Wen had coincidentally encountered him and treated him to a meal.

Jin Liang stepped forward and cupped his fists enthusiastically, “Marquis Wen, it has been too long.

I have missed your presence dearly.”

Gu Wen responded in kind, “Gu also hasn’t seen you, General, for many days.

Might I have the honor of your company for a simple meal another day?”

“An invitation from Marquis Wen, how could I refuse?”

The two conversed joyously, as though they were old friends who hadn’t seen each other for many years.

Indeed, they had not met for two years, but their actual relationship didn’t even qualify as friendship.

Coming from a prestigious military family and now commanding the imperial guard, Jin Liang, a young general, would typically look down on a mere merchant like Gu Wen.

The likelihood of him engaging in conversation now probably related to the yet-to-be-conferred title and the trusted aides by his side.

These nobles of Bianjing were cunning, most adept at gauging which way the wind blew.

Gu Wen didn’t care for titles, but those noble parasites living off hereditary titles certainly did.

Even if Gu Wen was originally a bumpkin, as soon as he acquired a title, they would welcome and even fawn over him.

It was about maintaining their interests and marking out a circle that outsiders couldn’t touch.

The Longqiao merchants formed one social circle; Hee Huan, Lu Chan, and Zhao Feng and the like formed another.

This world was about bigger circles encompassing smaller ones.

“Have you heard that Marquis Wen is to be ennobled?”

“It is not I who am being ennobled, but rather it is the Emperor’s boundless grace.”

“My family has a young sister yet to be wed.

Would Marquis Wen be interested?”

Gu Wen’s reply made Jin Liang’s expression grow even more eager as he began to propose a marriage alliance.

Arranged marriages were the most common strategy employed by prominent clans.

The other party coveted his Marquis title, while he had no interest in the young women of such noble houses.

“I have long heard of the Jin family’s esteemed daughter.

Should the opportunity arise, I shall certainly pay a visit,” said Gu Wen, delivering an empty compliment, and then he inquired, “However, I am currently more concerned about the Ninth Prince’s safety.

Might you be able to share any information, General?”

Jin Liang looked around carefully to make sure there were no outsiders present, then, recalling that Gu Wen was a trusted aide to the Ninth Prince, he spoke in a hushed tone, “This matter is not something that’s easy to discuss, but since Mr.

Wen has asked, I can only take the risk and answer.”

Gu Wen grasped the implication and said, “Coincidentally, I have recently obtained a jar of tea leaves valued at five hundred Silver, which I will deliver to the General Mansion tomorrow.”

Offering gifts was not considered bribery—it was an accepted practice in officialdom.

Although it was likely that the tea leaves concealed Silver, it was still treated as a gift.

Moreover, one couldn’t simply offer gifts without connections; doing so would only invite suspicion.

“Then, I am deeply grateful to Mr.

Wen.”

Jin Liang’s smile broadened, he continued in a low voice, “At noontime, there was a sudden noise from the Ninth Prince’s study.

His trusted aide entered to investigate and discovered an assassin.

A struggle ensued, and the noise attracted even more guards.

Servants from the royal residence went out on horseback to alert the authorities.

But at the time, nearby imperial guards had all gone to Dragon Bridge.

Consequently, he rushed to the palace gates to call for help.

By the time I arrived with cavalry, all that was left were corpses.”

“How is the Ninth Prince?”

Gu Wen asked with urgent concern.

He couldn’t be dead, could he?

“I came and Ninth Prince was covered in blood, but he still had breath,” Jin Liang sighed, “He’s been taken to the Imperial Hospital within the palace now, and I have no idea how he is.”

“So, is he dead or not?”

Gu Wen was very anxious, but he didn’t let it show, saying, “Gu owes a great debt to Ninth Prince.

If the General has any news, please be sure to inform Gu.

At that time, Gu will certainly deliver a generous gift.”

“Sure thing, sure thing.”

Jin Liang agreed readily; for Gu Wen, a trusted aide in the Prince’s residence, to inquire about the health and safety of Ninth Prince was perfectly normal.

Although it was against the rules, it likely wouldn’t be an issue.

—————–

Gu Wen drove away from the Prince’s residence, stopping halfway at the Water House to pick up some medicinal fruits, before returning to his own home.

By the time he finished his rounds, it was already deep into the night.

On the carriage, he suddenly remembered something—Yu Hua lived in the Prince’s residence.

In order to avoid suspicion, he hadn’t sought her out, but since Yu Hua was there, she should know whether Zhao Feng was alive or dead.

It’s a pity I have no way to contact her; she has always been the one to initiate contact.

Gu Wen carried the medicinal fruits back to his room.

Upon opening the door, he found Yu Hua in plain clothes sitting on a chair, engrossed in a book by candlelight and moonlight, occasionally adding a few strokes with her ink and brush.

Seeing Gu Wen, she smiled and said, “You’re back?

It seems you’ve had quite the bounty today.”

Gu Wen instinctively tucked the sack behind him and without flushing or skipping a beat, said, “I found it on the roadside.”

“Then your luck must be exceptionally good, as this medicinal fruit is a rare main ingredient in Alchemy.

Even one of these would be worth a fortune.

However, its medicinal properties are fierce, so be careful not to take too much when you use it.”

Yu Hua did not press the matter any further and continued to write.

Gu Wen put away the fruits and stood beside her, watching as she copied the poetry of their ancestors; her handwriting was graceful and her strokes smooth, much more pleasing than his own scrawl.

He said, “Zhao Feng has been assassinated and his life hangs in the balance in the palace’s care.”

Yu Hua’s hand continued to move without interruption, her demeanor unchanged, saying, “I have not been at the Prince’s residence in the past few days, having just returned to Bianjing.

I am unaware of this matter.”

After confirming that Lu Chan would not act against Gu Wen, Yu Hua had taken a boat trip to search for water veins.

As for Zhao Feng’s life and death, she wasn’t concerned—for her current plan to find the Immortality Pill, Zhao Feng wasn’t necessary.

And all this time, he hadn’t played any significant role, just buzzing around like an annoying fly.

“Stretch out your hand, I’ll impart another Cultivation Technique to you.”

Could she have seen that I’ve mastered all the Cultivation Techniques?

Gu Wen was a bit apprehensive, but he obediently took Yu Hua’s hand, which was as always delicate and cool to the touch.

Yu Hua’s brow slightly furrowed as she detected the scars beneath the clothes on Gu Wen’s body, saying, “I’ll heal your wounds first.”

“Just some minor injuries…”

“Sit, enter meditation.”

Yu Huan’s voice held a rare severity.

Gu Wen had no choice but to sit cross-legged on the ground, close his eyes, and meditate.

Then, a Pill was fed to him, followed by a soft voice beside his ear.

“The wounds don’t affect your foundation, merely depleting your Qi and blood.

However, a break in the dam begins with a single ant hole.

A qualified Cultivator should always ensure they are not at a disadvantage.

Whatever treasures you may have acquired, you should first treat your injuries.”

“I do not possess the arts of healing.”

“Afterward, I’ll teach them to you as well.

That’s no excuse; your meridians are dried up, which shows you haven’t taken the time to recuperate your Mana.

Not even a bit.”

Suddenly, Yu Hua paused.

She had never delved into the depth of Gu Wen’s cultivation, but when guiding the medicinal properties through his meridians for distribution throughout the body, she could distinctly feel that it wasn’t the state expected at the First Level of the Dao foundation.

This is the Second Level of the Dao foundation?!