"The Lou Baiyue Residence has also contacted me," thought Gu Chensha without surprise as he opened the letter. Inside, it contained only four words: "Canal Dockyard."
The signature bore the character "Lou" alongside a delicate crescent moon design.
There was no doubt—this was from Lou Baiyue.
The letter invited Gu Chensha to meet at the Canal Dockyard.
"Let's go. Leave the palace and head to the Canal Dockyard," Gu Chensha ordered, handing the letter to Xiao Yizi. "Burn this letter. Such correspondence is evidence that could implicate Jing'er. We cannot leave any trace of weakness for others to exploit."
"Understood."
The capital city of the Great Yong Dynasty, the most prosperous place in the empire, was unrivaled in grandeur.
And within the capital, no place was more bustling than the Canal Dockyard.
The greatest achievement of Emperor Tianfu was his "Canal Project," which connected the empire in all directions. In his 14th year on the throne, he launched this grand undertaking, completing it in just ten short years.
In ancient times, a certain emperor had attempted a similar feat—to connect the northern and southern regions via a canal. That project took 30 years, drained the empire of resources, and plunged the people into misery. Eventually, the emperor lost his kingdom and his life.
But Emperor Tianfu was different. From the moment he ascended the throne, he started the canal construction, turning it into a national effort. Instead of creating chaos, it provided jobs and food for the hungry, stabilizing the country. When mountains obstructed the way, they mysteriously disappeared overnight.
Uncrossable rivers were cleared in a single night, turning wildlands into navigable waterways.
The common people called it a miracle, believing the Emperor was divinely ordained and aided by unseen forces.
As the canal expanded, Emperor Tianfu's rule grew ever stronger. Winning the hearts of the people, his authority became unshakable.
Originally, Emperor Tianfu was a commoner's illegitimate son who rose to power through bloodshed and hardship. His reign was initially fraught with instability, and the court was riddled with schemes. Yet this canal, connecting all corners of the empire, demonstrated miraculous results and galvanized the people's loyalty.
The canal eliminated countless droughts and floods, ensuring stable harvests. Goods from all corners of the empire flowed into the capital, boosting trade and prosperity. Merchants flourished, and the empire's control over its citizens tightened.
Standing on the dock, Gu Chensha watched the endless stream of ships, overcome with awe.
It could be said that no emperor in history had achieved anything comparable.
The canal spanned thousands of meters wide, with waters over a hundred meters deep. Even the largest ships could pass without trouble. It was no ordinary river—it was beyond what human effort alone could accomplish.
Ships of all kinds filled the canal: small black-sailed boats, grand five-mast ships, and even enormous warships with heavily armored hulls, belonging to the imperial navy, radiating strength and power.
But the most eye-catching of all was the newest invention of the court—a steam-powered, propeller-driven ironclad. Encased in steel and powered by steam, it moved swiftly like an arrow, covering a thousand miles in a day.
These ironclads served as the imperial fleet, transmitting orders and decrees across the provinces via the canal.
With the canal, the empire's control over its territories greatly increased.
Exotic goods from across the empire were transported to the capital, unloaded at the docks, and distributed efficiently. Unlike the dirty and chaotic docks of the past, this one was meticulously organized and orderly.
Years ago, the docks were plagued by criminal gangs. But in the 10th year of Emperor Tianfu's reign, a decree outlawed all gangs, leading to the execution of their leaders. The public celebrated, praising the Emperor as a ruler for the ages.
"Newspapers! Get your newspapers! The latest decree—gold and silver transactions among civilians are strictly prohibited. All goods must be traded using paper currency. Violators will face confiscation of property and imprisonment!" shouted children, waving newspapers in their hands.
"This empire truly thrives under his rule," thought Gu Chensha. Though he harbored no personal affection for the Emperor, he couldn't help but admire his governance.
The imperial family had no familial bonds. Princes were taken from their mothers at birth, raised by wet nurses, palace maids, and eunuchs. As they grew, they lived in isolation, studying and training, while harboring mutual suspicion toward their siblings.
In poor families, parents loved their children, and siblings supported one another. But the royal family was different—such sentiments did not exist.
The royal family governed the empire with "filial piety," yet within the family, there was none. It was a bitter irony.
But this was the price of power. To rule the empire and wield divine authority over life and death, one had to forgo family ties.
"Without a country, there is no family," Gu Chensha sighed inwardly.
"Master, the letter only mentioned the dockyard, with no specific time. Are we supposed to just wait here?" Xiao Yizi asked.
"You underestimate the Lou family. I suspect they've been watching us since we left the palace. They'll come to us," Gu Chensha replied knowingly.
Sure enough, not long after, a small boat sailed toward them, stopping at the dock. A man stepped off and bowed. "Nineteenth Master, please follow me aboard the small boat. My master's ship is anchored mid-river, and a feast awaits you."
"Lead the way," Gu Chensha said. He stepped onto the boat, followed closely by Xiao Yizi.
The boat sped across the river, gliding smoothly without splashing a drop of water. The oarsman's skill was extraordinary, suggesting he had taken a strengthening pill like "Tiger-Wolf Elixir."
Even the Lou family's servants were this capable—no wonder they held such power in court, standing firm against all challenges.
Mid-river, an enormous black ironclad ship came into view.
Climbing aboard, Gu Chensha found the interior lavishly decorated with intricate carvings, red lacquer, and gold embellishments. The air was perfumed, and the walls were adorned with large crystal panels offering panoramic views of the river.
The four-story ship had a layout as follows: the first floor housed the owner's quarters, the second was for maids, the third contained the kitchen, and the lower deck was reserved for sailors and crew.
The ship, propelled by a mechanical propeller, glided effortlessly through the water like a soaring bird.
The so-called "propeller" was an invention by the Tian Gong Academy, utilizing the expansion force of heated air through burning oil. It was an unprecedented innovation.
The grand ship, resembling a black tiger lying on the river, could accommodate hundreds of people and store enough supplies to sustain everyone for weeks. It was, essentially, a miniature floating estate.
The crew aboard were all capable individuals, even the women moved with agility and precision. Their disciplined demeanor resembled a military unit.
"Lou Jia's family has an impressive legacy, managing their household with military discipline. With such structure, it's clear they're destined for continuous growth," thought Guo Chensha, who often gleaned larger insights from smaller observations.
"Everyone, leave us."
At this command, the servants dispersed. The man who had accompanied Guo Chensha aboard turned to Xiao Yizi and said, "Sir, please follow me downstairs; refreshments are prepared."
Xiao Yizi looked to Guo Chensha, and after a nod, followed obediently.
Now, only two people remained on the top deck—a man and a woman.
The woman, naturally, was Lou Baiyue.
Standing with her back to Guo Chensha, she wore a light blue cape that gave her an air of profound elegance, like the deep sea.
"In this Tianfu Dynasty, the Emperor ordered the construction of canals connecting the four directions—north, south, east, and west. The major waterways are named Changjiang and Tianhe," she began, her tone steady.
"The Emperor even composed a profound poem to commemorate the event."
She recited the verses softly:
"The surging Changjiang flows eastward, sweeping away all heroes. Success and failure, fame and shame, all turn to nothing; only the green mountains remain, standing tall, as the sun sets repeatedly.
White-haired fishermen, content on riverbanks, watch the autumn moon and spring breeze. With a jug of crude wine, they laugh at past glories. How many tales, ancient and modern, are woven in moments of mirth and tears."
Her voice carried a tinge of melancholy, evoking a sense of history's weight.
The poem, written by the Tianfu Emperor, was celebrated across the land, earning reverence even from scholars.
Guo Chensha, an admirer of its profound depth, often pondered its verses in solitude. However, he was unsure of Lou Baiyue's intentions. After listening, he smiled awkwardly, saying, "I've never been much for poetry. What brings you here today?"
"Guo Chensha," she said, turning to face him. Her figure seemed slimmer and taller than a few months ago, her aura transformed, and her cultivation more advanced.
"No matter how much you play the fool, you can't deceive someone who truly understands you. You're not stupid. A real fool couldn't have survived this long."
"What do you want?" Guo Chensha feigned panic, his body curling slightly—a practiced move to appear weak.
"As per the Emperor's decree, I'm to form an alliance with you. What are your thoughts?" Lou Baiyue spoke casually, as if discussing someone else's affairs.
"No, no, no…" Guo Chensha waved his hands and stepped back in exaggerated fear, as if confronted by a venomous snake. Though he had heard whispers of this before, he couldn't fathom her motives and feared a trap.
Years ago, she had orchestrated a conflict among the princes that left him beaten. She was not someone to be taken lightly.
"Although this is the Emperor's decree, today's meeting is informal. There's no need for ceremony. Besides, you are a prince, and I a mere subject. If our behavior were made public, I'd likely face accusations of disrespect," Lou Baiyue added with a dismissive wave.
Her casual attitude toward royal protocols bordered on insubordination.
Despite this, she had always been bold. Once accused of irreverence toward royalty, the Tianfu Emperor himself had praised her: "She stands proud before lords and kings, embodying the dignity of our forebears."
It was clear how favored she was by the Emperor.
"What instructions does my father have for me?" Guo Chensha asked cautiously, feigning humility despite the extraordinary skills he concealed.
"You're quite adept at playing the fool," Lou Baiyue's tone darkened. "I may have little regard for most men, but the Emperor is a ruler of unparalleled vision. He subdues demons, pacifies the land, and raises the status of women, sweeping away centuries of decay. You may be a failure in many respects, but even so, you bear the Emperor's bloodline and have potential to carry on his legacy."
Guo Chensha stared blankly, as though her words were incomprehensible. "What are you even talking about?"
"I came here today to ask you one question," Lou Baiyue said, her gaze piercing. "Do you, or do you not, have the ambition to rise to greatness?"
"Greatness?" Guo Chensha took two steps back, feigning ignorance. "I'm already a prince, a child of the Emperor, blessed with everything I need. What more could I possibly want?"
"As a prince, your life is worse than that of a wealthy commoner. Even a prosperous village head has dozens of servants, carriages, gold, and jade. But you live in constant fear, hiding your abilities and suppressing your potential. Isn't that existence suffocating? Don't you ever wish for change?" Lou Baiyue's eyes bore into him, trying to see through his facade.
Guo Chensha shook his head firmly. "I'm perfectly content with how things are. I don't want change."