I Don't Agree to the Terms
Chapter 517 - 284: Artificial Companion Spirit Object - White Tiger_2

Chapter 517: Chapter 284: Artificial Companion Spirit Object - White Tiger_2

He didn’t want to stop expanding, but after inflating so much in a year, he’d taken quite an ambitious step and almost "broke his eggs," so he had to settle down and digest the situation.

On the other hand, Jiang Lu, while not expanding as much as Luo Chuan, had an extremely stable rear because Gu Shanhai had uncovered a large number of talents and coupled with the promotion of modernization techniques, there had been a significant increase in productivity.

Therefore, Gu Shanhai also enjoyed a very high treatment, so for him, the resources needed for the White Tiger’s training were not a big deal.

The reason why Luo Chuan, Prince Xi, was said to have "broken his eggs" was that Jiang Lu directly shouted the slogan of the Luo thief betraying the Emperor and took the policy of supporting Dalong as a guideline, winning over the Puppet Emperor Long’s heart in Yong’an City. Though he lost the edict tied to his belt, he still managed to bestow Jiang Lu with a title during Luo Chuan’s campaigns in the north and south, turning Marquis Liang into Liang Wang and also calling him Imperial Uncle.

With this move, Jiang Lu’s legitimacy was directly established.

The consequence was that this Emperor succumbed to a chill and died without a cure, Luo Chuan had to replace him with a new emperor, but it was already too late. Jiang Lu’s title as Liang Wang was set, and his legitimacy was confirmed; there was no denying it anymore.

The previous Emperor Long could make such decisions, not because he believed Jiang Lu could help him, but it was achieved through manipulation, thanks in no small part to many of the Imperial Party.

Aside from Luo Chuan’s influence in Yong’an City, there were also the Imperial Party’s forces; for political needs, Luo Chuan couldn’t kill them all.

Apart from Jiang Lu, the operation led to the rise of Prince Yan in Yan State, a nobility of a different surname named Zhou Ding, as confirmed by Gu Shanhai, it was indeed the person from Xiang Province.

He ranked third among the warlords outside the Dalong Royal Family, commanding five provinces with many elite soldiers and strong generals under his wing.

If judging not by overall power but by a count of talented individuals, Prince Yan’s retinue would be considered first, even surpassing Luo Chuan who claimed the high ground of righteousness in talent.

Gu Shanhai was puzzled as to how Zhou Ding became Prince Yan. Jiang Lu’s success was because he was a kin of the Royal Family, a legitimate lineage of the Dalong Royal Family; Luo Chuan was purely due to strength, but Zhou Ding seemed a bit odd to Gu Shanhai.

However, Gu Shanhai did not make inquiries; such dealings were extremely secretive, either involving bribery with gold and silver or persuasion with righteousness, these were the typical methods.

In Dalong, aside from the three warlords, a number of people had also risen, most of whom were still battling within the provinces, with few at this stage who stood out conspicuously.

"Marquis, His Majesty has returned to the court and has specially summoned you," an imperial chamberlain reported before coming to fetch Gu Shanhai to see Jiang Lu.

"When did this happen?" Gu Shanhai casually asked.

After Jiang Lu became Liang Wang, Gu Shanhai’s status had also risen with the tide, and he was conferred the title of Marquis by Jiang Lu himself through the power of Liang State. Gu Shanhai was now Marquis An, and if Jiang Lu could truly unite the entirety of Dalong, Gu Shanhai could directly become a nobility of a different surname, though not excluding the possibility of becoming a duke.

"His Majesty returned yesterday, but he heard that Marquis An was engrossed in research and did not want to disturb you. Today, he learned you were free, and so he has come to invite you." The chamberlain spoke with no scruples.

His implication was clear that there were people surveilling Gu Shanhai.

Gu Shanhai was aware of this surveillance, executed by the Jinyi Guard, led by Jiang Lu, with Situ Jian as the first commander and Li Hui as the behind-the-scenes strategist of this institution.

In terms of surveillance, there was actually not much for them to watch over Gu Shanhai, and it was more for protection, vigilance, and running errands.

Gu Shanhai conducted his experiments in a basement, and the Jinyi Guard personnel dared not enter, so it was only after seeing Gu Shanhai come out that they reported to the superior.

The Jinyi Guard wasn’t foolish. As Liang Wang Jiang Lu called Gu Shanhai teacher and honored him as a fatherly figure, if they dared to push too hard and create issues, they would probably be dealt with first.

And it wasn’t just talk; when the Jinyi Guard’s commander came to find Gu Shanhai, they very properly called him "Master" and didn’t dare act rashly.

But in other places, the Jinyi Guard didn’t act so submissively; in the provinces under their authority, they were a fearsome presence, causing the great families to lose sleep over them due to the Jinyi Guard.

"What a nuisance, I have to make a trip," Gu Shanhai muttered quietly.

The chamberlain pretended as if he saw and heard nothing; in Liang State, Gu Shanhai was the only person who could speak like that.

If others were to show disrespect to Liang Wang, they would likely be apprehended on the spot.

"Fine, I’ll free up half a ’two hours’ as a break," Gu Shanhai sighed resignedly.

"Marquis, this way, please. The ceremonial carriage has been prepared for you," said the imperial chamberlain, relieved. He had been worried he wouldn’t be able to persuade the Marquis to come.

Although, even if he had failed to invite him, Jiang Lu wouldn’t have said anything. But that would have made him seem somewhat incompetent.

"It’s a bit too ostentatious," Gu Shanhai remarked, eyeing the ceremonial carriage. It was, to put it mildly, luxurious and eye-catching.

Without mentioning anything else, the sheer number of attendants and the assortment of ceremonial guard were enough to block a street; hence the name "ceremonial carriage." It was all about the level of formality.

"Next time, just simplify things. A single carriage will do," said Gu Shanhai. He was a modest man, and the extravagance of the procession made him uncomfortable.

"Let’s do it this way; I’ll go ahead, and you can take care of all this," he suggested.

Gu Shanhai figured it would waste too much time; the journey might take almost a full two hours.

"This..." The imperial chamberlain found himself in a difficult position.

"No need for that, just listen to me," Gu Shanhai said, and then, using the Five Elements Great Escape, he instantly teleported away.

Within the Royal Palace, Gu Shanhai emerged straight from the ground.

"Who dares to intrude into the Royal Palace!" Several Daoist Soldiers reacted in an instant, and had they not recognized Gu Shanhai, they nearly would have attacked. "Marquis, we greet you."

Luckily, they were quick to respond and submit at once.

Gu Shanhai had no intention of making things difficult for them and simply gestured for them to continue their guard duty.

"Coming to find me as soon as you return, what’s the matter now?" Gu Shanhai asked Jiang Lu, who was busy reviewing official documents.

"You may all leave," Jiang Lu instructed the Daoist Soldiers to leave, as although they were his trusted aides, some secrets were still not meant for them to know.

The Daoist Soldiers naturally left together.

"Teacher, please take a seat," Jiang Lu gestured for Gu Shanhai to make himself comfortable before he continued, "Currently, we control seven provinces, and in terms of talent reserves, resources, and strategies, we are far ahead of where we were a year ago. However, which province should I target next?"

As he spoke, Jiang Lu unfolded a map of the entire Dalong territory, showing the approximate division of power.

Gu Shanhai looked at the map, squinting his eyes.

"Head south and develop sea trade," Gu Shanhai commented after a mere glance, and then continued, "We only need to take Xuanzhou to start harnessing the sea for profit; it will nourish Dalong!"

The Age of Exploration was essentially synonymous with great wealth, especially since it would enable the expansion and colonization of foreign territories.

"Does Xuanzhou have such potential?" Jiang Lu was surprised. Xuanzhou, named due to its location beyond the Xuan Sea, was even poorer than Liang State, so Jiang Lu had never considered it.

"Yes, but before that, we need to develop shipbuilding," explained Gu Shanhai.

Whether for global exploration or maritime trade, it’s essential to have a sufficient and advanced ship industry.

Unfortunately, in Dalong, this sector wasn’t much developed, with nine-tenths of the emphasis on land-based warfare. There were some naval forces, but not many.

"Do you have any good strategies, Teacher?" Jiang Lu wasn’t well-versed in these matters, so he had to directly seek advice from Gu Shanhai.

"Establish the sea merchant Navy. However, you’ll have to figure that out yourself. At most, I can provide some systems-level advice and some shipbuilding technology," Gu Shanhai certainly couldn’t involve himself personally; he could at best assist the leaders and the doers with solving problems.

Jiang Lu pondered for a moment, then said, "Then please, Teacher, take on the extra work."

After that, he called the senior officials for a meeting to develop government decrees and plans.

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