Chapter 56: Gu Chuan’s Gift
In the spring of the fifth year of Qingli, heavy snow had yet to stop in Linjiang City.
The entire city seemed buried in falling snow, appearing somewhat tranquil. Yet, this tranquility was shattered by a certain piece of news.
The Prefecture Government of Linjiang City posted an announcement.
This announcement clearly outlined the countless crimes committed by the Celestial Water Gang of South City in recent years, crimes so numerous they defied description.
However, under the vigorous crackdown of the government, the group led by Yao Chen was uprooted. Yet, during the pursuit, Embroidered Uniform Guard Thousand Households Luo Bingsheng of Linjiang City heroically sacrificed his life, alongside West City Hundred Households Gao Jun and many other high-ranking officers of the Hundred Households Office.
This news, as if it had grown wings, swept through Linjiang City and spread to all corners of Linjiang Prefecture, causing a great sensation.
Especially in the South City area, many people hurried to share the good news. Every household lit firecrackers in celebration—the atmosphere was livelier than New Year.
Qingping Lane, Gu Mansion.
During this period, the turmoil of the Celestial Water Gang had not affected him. No matter whether it was the government or the various forces of Linjiang City, everything was borne by Gu Chuan alone. As for himself, he had simply stayed at home, calmly watching the clouds gather and disperse.
The only real effect was that he heard firecrackers every single day.
At times, he was quite emotional,
No wonder Gu Chuan had risked his life to change the layout of the South City. There really was almost no way left for ordinary commoners to survive there.
Gangs ran rampant in South City,
Yet the Embroidered Uniform Guard responsible for order commanded no respect whatsoever, directly resulting in the people of the South City suffering endlessly.
By comparison, the whole of Linjiang City—only South City was the most chaotic.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard lacked authority, unable to act as a deterrent. But the other three districts were different from South City. South City was too chaotic, gangs rampaged everywhere. The other three cities, however, were controlled by the major noble families of Linjiang; even the gangs there abided by order. Only South City was truly chaotic.
This was also why Gu Chuan had to strike at the Celestial Water Gang.
There were many gangs in South City, but only the Celestial Water Gang could completely ignore the Embroidered Uniform Guard. It was because of their existence that the martial world’s influence in the South City overshadowed the Embroidered Uniform Guard, turning them into a laughingstock.
Now, with the Celestial Water Gang annihilated,
The Embroidered Uniform Guard could naturally regain control of order in South City.
This was also why the noble families of Linjiang City hadn’t moved against Gu Chuan. Because Gu Chuan only targeted the South City martial world, and there was no conflict of interests with the major noble families.
Of course, Gu Chuan wasn’t that reckless either,
He dared oppose all the gangs and local families, but going up against all the great noble families alone? That would be throwing an egg against a rock!
...
This upheaval caused a huge sensation, and only after the New Year had passed did things gradually quiet down. Linjiang City also began to warm, with the feel of spring slowly returning.
That morning, while Gu Zhan was eating breakfast, a guard came to report that Gu Chuan had arrived.
Gu Zhan immediately put down his bowl and chopsticks and went to the living room.
As soon as he stepped in, he saw Gu Chuan, dressed in white embroidered clothes, sipping tea.
Today’s Gu Chuan looked completely different from usual. He wore neither sword nor official attire; instead, he had a feathered crown on his head, ornaments hanging from his belt—he looked every inch the son of a noble family.
Gu Zhan stepped forward, cupped his fist and greeted, "Lord Gu..."
"Brother Gu," Gu Chuan quickly waved his hand and said, "I’ve already stepped down and am no longer a Hundred Households of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. We are no longer superior and subordinate. If you don’t mind, just call me Gu Chuan."
"Well..." Gu Zhan hesitated for a moment, then said, "Then I’ll boldly call you Brother Gu."
Gu Chuan smiled slightly and said, "You already know my situation. To be blunt, I came to Linjiang City as part of the Embroidered Uniform Guard only because my family sent me here for gilding. I may not want to admit it, but that’s the truth. Now, the job is done. It’s time for me to leave."
Gu Zhan nodded slightly—he had known about this for a long time.
Gu Chuan poured Gu Zhan a cup of tea and said, "I’ve come to you today for three matters. First, to deliver your letter of appointment. Congratulations, Brother Gu, you are now the youngest Hundred Households in the history of Linjiang County."
As he spoke, Gu Chuan handed Gu Zhan a tray covered with red cloth which was on the table.
Gu Zhan lifted the red cloth. Inside were the Official Seal, official attire, letter of appointment, and other related items.
Gu Zhan looked over these things and solemnly cupped his fists toward Gu Chuan: "Thank you, Brother Gu!"
Though Gu Chuan hadn’t spelled it out,
Gu Zhan knew perfectly well how difficult it was to get promoted within the government system. Let alone at his age—even just in terms of seniority, he was far from qualified. If it hadn’t been for Gu Chuan’s maneuvering, he’d never have made Hundred Households.
Gu Chuan smiled and said, "We’re sworn brothers who’ve had each other’s backs—no need to be so courteous. Second, for the time being, you’ll follow me around so I can introduce you to people.
Over these years I’ve laid down considerable roots in Linjiang Prefecture, even within the Hundred Households Office. All of those I’ll hand over to you. Going forward, you won’t be left without allies in Linjiang City."
"Alright," Gu Zhan replied.
Gu Chuan nodded, waving to a few guards. Soon, two guards carried in a long wooden box and set it on the table.
Gu Chuan opened the wooden box; inside were a Horizontal Saber and a book.
Gu Chuan picked up the saber, slowly drawing it from its scabbard.
The mirror-like blade emitted a chilling aura. In the tall hamon at the edge, a spot of cold light seemed to flow ceaselessly, making the already sharp blade feel even more icy and dangerous.
The blade was extremely thin, so thin it seemed it might shatter at a touch. Strange patterns marked its surface, always giving an impression of age and fissure.
Gu Chuan returned the saber to its scabbard and handed it to Gu Zhan. "This saber, I especially sought out for you during this time. It once belonged to a top Innate Martial Artist—so sharp it can cut hair, slice iron like mud."
Gu Zhan was a Swordman,
Of course, he could tell at a glance—this was a rare and precious blade indeed, worth its weight in gold.
He thought for a moment and refused: "Brother Gu, this is too valuable—I shouldn’t accept it..."
Gu Chuan set the saber down in front of Gu Zhan and said, "Back in Changling Town, you broke a saber for me. I’m returning you a saber now—what’s wrong with that?"
With that, Gu Chuan laughed lightly and said, "Brothers shouldn’t stand on ceremony. My talent in Martial Arts isn’t great; I’ll count on you to become a grandmaster and use this saber to fight for me in the future!"
Gu Zhan hesitated for a while, but finally didn’t decline further. Any more excuses would just seem insincere.
Gu Chuan smiled in satisfaction, then picked up the book and said, "This is an Innate Technique I got for you from the Hundred Households Office—this one’s all about domineering, violent True Qi, very much suited to your bold, direct style!"