Chapter 344: Chapter 272: [Reading] [Sword Gourd Spirit] Together Breaking Through

"Have some tea." Xiao Wen pushed the teacup towards Chu Ming and continued, "Previously when transporting grain to Pingzhong County, I did you a disservice. Did the Regent’s Mansion Inspector Liu Bingmu give you a hard time?"

"Lord Liu acted impartially." Chu Ming feigned hesitation, "But Lord Xiao, is it true that the Tang River Transport Headquarters in Shan County, Pingzhong County, is actually impersonated by the Blood Evil Sect?"

Xiao Wen’s face turned solemn upon hearing this, "It should be an impersonation. That day, Tang Xuan appeared in several places around Qin Capital, and several princes can testify."

"However, Tang Xuan has voluntarily restricted himself to avoid suspicion, and now he stays home, not even seeing me."

Voluntarily restricted?

Chu Ming raised the tea water, his eyelids slightly drooped.

Is it restriction, or is he afraid of something being discovered?

Chu Ming did not dwell on this topic but instead said, "Lord Xiao, I saw many refugees about five kilometers north of Qin Capital, outside the city. Are they...?"

"Are you talking about that shantytown?" Xiao Wen put down his teacup, a disdainful look appearing on his face, "They’re all rogue peasants of low status, neither farming nor engaging in commerce, spending their days with petty thievery."

"Enough of that. The carriage should be ready. I’ll take you to the Imperial City to meet Your Seventh Highness."

Rogue peasants of low status?

"Alright, thank you for your assistance, Lord Xiao."

Chu Ming stood up and followed Xiao Wen out of the Xiao Mansion; indeed, a carriage was ready at the gate.

Rumble...

The carriage rolled over the bluestone avenue, heading towards the most heavily guarded area of Qin Capital.

They didn’t leave for long.

Somewhere in Qin Capital, within a large mansion.

"Sir, news has come from Xiao Mansion that Chu Ming has appeared."

"Okay, let it spread."

"Yes."

"..."

...

The carriage traveled for a whole two hours, arriving at the towering gates of the Imperial City.

Chu Ming looked out through the window; the vermilion walls were towering, reaching dozens of meters high, truly magnificent.

"Lord Xiao." The guards at the Imperial City bowed respectfully. The gates opened.

The carriage passed through the gate, and the internal scenery changed dramatically.

On the sides of the wide avenues, every ten meters or so, stood guards in golden armor, holding long spears.

In the distance, various buildings were densely packed.

"These guards are all from the Huang Forbidden Army. Being able to guard here, their strength is not below the Late Stage Strong Bone Realm. The deeper one goes, the stronger the Huang Forbidden Army gets." Xiao Wen whispered beside him, "In Xirong County, those in the Refining Organ Realm who can open Martial Arts halls, in this Imperial City can only be a Guard Captain of the Huang Forbidden Army."

Chu Ming’s face showed surprise, mostly feigned, but he was indeed a bit shocked inside.

As he had journeyed from Xirong County, he noticed that the closer one got to Qin Capital, the higher the level of martial arts became, and within Qin Capital, especially in the Imperial City, it was more unexpected.

After passing through seven or eight avenues, the carriage reached a vast open area.

Unlike other places where it was deserted, the open area was bustling with activity, full of busy people.

In the center of the open space, there was a grand circular high platform of initial majesty, covering an area as large as a mansion.

A group of people in simple robes were moving slate tiles and timber, or three or five people were carrying a wooden pillar, or ten or more moving slate tiles.

Beside these people, there were quite a few stern-faced overseers.

"That is the Celestial Longevity Platform, built by His Majesty to celebrate the Empress Dowager Duaan’s sixtieth birthday," Xiao Wen whispered.

Celestial Longevity Platform?

Chu Ming’s eyes went deep; over two days in Qin Capital, the words ’Celestial Longevity Platform’ had come up more than once.

The carriage continued inward, passing through several areas, finally stopping in front of a splendid palace.

"We’ve arrived."

Xiao Wen stepped down from the carriage, and Chu Ming followed.

On either side in front of the hall, there was a row of strict guards.

"General Tao, could you please inform Your Seventh Highness?" Xiao Wen walked up to the guards, clasping his hands in salute.

"Chu Ming, this is General Tao of the Huang Forbidden Army."

"General Tao." Chu Ming followed with a salute.

Tao Long glanced at Xiao Wen, then those sharp eyes fell on Chu Ming, "You are Chu Ming?"

"Reporting to General Tao, this humble officer is Chu Ming from Xirong County." Chu Ming took out the jade plaque of the First-Grade Cold Family.

Tao Long inspected the jade plaque, confirmed there were no issues, "Come with me."

Xiao Wen and Chu Ming followed.

But not far inside, weapons were wielded by guards on both sides, blocking Xiao Wen.

"Lord Xiao please return."

Xiao Wen paused, clasped his hands and made a bow, then looked at Chu Ming with slight concern.

Chu Ming saluted Xiao Wen, then followed Tao Long up the hall steps.

Stepping up one by one, ninety-nine steps, the grand doors of the palace appeared.

"Your Highness, Chu Ming from Xirong County has arrived." Tao Long stood at the door, bowing in salute.

"Come in."

"Commissioner of Canal Transport Mr. Chu, please enter."

"Thank you, General Tao."

Chu Ming stepped into the hall, where two palace maids of good appearance greeted him.

"Lord Chu, this way please."

The two palace maids led Chu Ming through the palace, walking for half a quarter of an hour, arriving at a quiet courtyard.

Fake mountains and waterside pavilions, ripples on the lake.

Not far away, under a pavilion, sat two people dressed in golden robes.

Outside the pavilion, there were ten people sitting respectfully, one of whom Chu Ming had seen in Lindu County.

"Fifth Prince, Seventh Prince." He stood in place and saluted.

He was not surprised that the two princes who were opposites in Xirong County were now sitting together.

The Martial Immortal Alliance had the shadow of the Fifth Prince, while the First-Grade Cold Family aligned with the Seventh Prince, both backed by the Crown Prince.

So, whether it’s the Seventh Prince or the Fifth Prince, they should both be on the side of the Crown Prince.

"Come over," the Seventh Prince turned his head slightly.

Chu Ming walked forward.

"Have a seat," this time the Fifth Prince spoke.

As soon as he finished speaking, a palace maid brought over a stool and placed it beside Chu Ming.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Chu Ming sat beside the ten people, right next to Zhuge Chen, the younger brother of the Silver Moon Thief.

At this moment, Zhuge Chen’s complexion was rosy, his breathing steady, looking much better than before in Lindu County.

"Was the journey smooth?"

The Seventh Prince sipped his tea, seemingly casually asking.