Chapter 24: Shen Dao’s World Collapses—It Wasn't Zhao That Unified the Realm?

"Grandmaster, since the King of Zhao has extended an invitation, it would be improper to decline so bluntly," Shen Dao advised from the side.

Lu Ge glanced at Shen Dao, a sudden thought crossing his mind. The supernatural power Shen Dao had attained was the Way of Legalism. Because it emphasized the authority of the monarch, those who followed it naturally felt a sense of subservience before royalty. Lu Ge, however, had studied the Way under Lao Dan, which focused on transcending emotions and practicing non-action. Aside from a natural reverence for the heavens and earth, he was unconstrained by all else.

After a moment of reflection, Lu Ge did not wish to make things difficult for Shen Dao. After all, Shen Dao had been diligent and attentive throughout their journey, and ever since they arrived in Handan, he had been nothing but respectful, providing whatever was requested—be it daily necessities or classical texts.

"The royal palace must house countless books, I presume?"

Shen Dao’s eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly. "To say 'countless' is an exaggeration, but it certainly contains far more than what this disciple has at home."

Lu Ge smiled. "Then a visit wouldn't be out of the question."

Shen Dao felt a wave of gratitude. Lu Ge had initially shown no interest in attending the banquet, but he had agreed now—ostensibly to read books in the palace, but in reality, it was to save face for him. *The Grandmaster is truly kind-hearted,* he thought.

As Shen Dao went out to send the reply, Lu Ge stood up. "By the way, what news is there regarding the matter I asked you to look into?"

Shen Dao straightened his expression. "I have news. That man, Lu Buwei, has purchased a residence right next to the hostage’s mansion and resides there." He paused, then asked, "But Grandmaster, Lu Buwei is merely a merchant. Why are you so interested in him?"

Lu Ge stretched, loosening his muscles. "It is not him I am interested in, but rather someone I wish to see through him."

Shen Dao wanted to ask more, but Lu Ge had already begun walking toward the door. "I know what you want to ask. But don't ask just yet. Come, let us go see this Lu Buwei. You will understand when the time comes."

Though filled with questions, Shen Dao followed silently behind. They strolled leisurely through the streets until they arrived at the side of the hostage’s mansion—the Lu residence.

Shen Dao stepped forward and knocked. Moments later, the gate opened. "May I ask for the names of the honored guests, and the purpose of your visit?"

Shen Dao cupped his hands. "Please inform your master that the Grandmaster of the Taoist school and Shen Dao have come to pay a visit."

The servant was taken aback. He did not recognize Shen Dao, but the title "Grandmaster of the Taoist school" sounded vaguely familiar. After a moment of recollection, it hit him—his master had spoken of this person during a casual conversation recently. This was a man of immense significance.

"Please wait a moment, I shall report this immediately." The servant did not even close the gate, rushing inside in a flurry.

"It seems this servant knows who we are," Shen Dao said with a smile as he turned back.

"He knows who *you* are," Lu Ge replied with a shrug. "I have only been in this era for a few days; what reputation could I possibly have? But you, Shen Zi, are one of the Five Elders of the Taoist school, a pillar of the Jixia Academy."

Shen Dao blushed and waved his hands. "Grandmaster, please, do not tease me."

As they spoke, a loud voice rang out from within the courtyard: "Where is the Grandmaster? Where is the Grandmaster?"

Lu Ge and Shen Dao looked toward the sound and saw a middle-aged man sprinting toward them, his expression one of frantic delight. He was only half-dressed, and he had even lost one of his shoes in his haste. Upon reaching the entrance, he looked at Shen Dao, then locked eyes with Lu Ge.

"Disciple Lu Buwei pays his respects to the Grandmaster."

Lu Ge blinked. "I recall that you are not a Taoist disciple, are you?"

Lu Buwei’s expression turned solemn. "It has been my lifelong wish to join the Taoist school, but due to my humble status, I have never had the opportunity. Today, standing before the Grandmaster, I implore your compassion to allow me to enter the fold. I swear by the heavens: from this day forth, I live for the Taoist school and I die for it. Even if there were a mountain of blades or a sea of fire ahead, I would not take a single step back."

Shen Dao was left stunned. *My goodness, isn't this fellow being a bit too dramatic?*

Lu Ge gave a thumbs up, sighing in admiration, "No wonder you are destined to make a fortune." He was certain that if it had been Xunzi standing there, Lu Buwei would have put on the exact same display, only replacing "Taoist" with "Confucian."

"Grandmaster is too kind," Lu Buwei said, catching sight of his disheveled state and quickly adding, "Hearing of your arrival, I was overwhelmed with urgency. To be seen in such a state of undress is a grave sin. Please, Grandmaster and Shen Zi, step inside to rest while I compose myself to pay a proper, formal visit."

They stepped inside to the main hall, where servants brought tea. Lu Ge took one look and had no desire to drink it, though Shen Dao seemed to enjoy it immensely.

"As expected of a world-renowned merchant, you certainly have the means," Shen Dao remarked while sipping. "The ingredients in this tea alone are worth a thousand pieces of gold."

Lu Ge glanced at the tea again—it was oily and unappealing. He would much rather have had a bowl of instant noodle broth.

Before long, Lu Buwei returned, properly dressed and shod. "Grandmaster, what brings you to my home today? Whatever it is that Lu Buwei can do, I shall certainly spare no effort."

Lu Ge smiled. "Indeed, there is a small matter. I hear you have a very close relationship with Zichu, the hostage from the State of Qin?"

Lu Buwei’s expression shifted slightly, but he nodded.

Lu Ge continued, "Could you invite him over for a chat? And, if possible, bring along his newborn son."

Lu Buwei’s mind raced. Zichu was his greatest investment yet. He had no idea why this Taoist Grandmaster wanted to see him. If something went wrong, he would lose everything. But then, he reconsidered: if the Grandmaster had no ill intent, that would be ideal. And if he did? To sacrifice Zichu to build a relationship with this Grandmaster might not be such a bad trade after all.

The thought process took only a fleeting moment. "I shall have someone send the invitation at once," Lu Buwei said, bowing before turning to make the arrangements.

Watching him leave, Shen Dao pondered for a moment. "Grandmaster, is it the son of Zichu you wish to see?"

Lu Ge smiled, slightly surprised. "You figured it out?"

Shen Dao looked sheepish. "My disciple is dull-witted, but with the facts laid out, it is clear. You asked Lu Buwei to invite Zichu and specifically requested he bring his newborn son. Naturally, it is the child you wish to meet."

Lu Ge nodded. "You are correct. He is the one I want to see. And he is the one I spoke to you about earlier."

Shen Dao shuddered, staring blankly at Lu Ge. "You... you mean... the future ruler of all under heaven?"

In that moment, Shen Dao felt as if the sky were collapsing. When Lu Ge had said the future ruler was born in the State of Zhao, he had assumed it was a member of the Zhao royal family. He never imagined it would be the son of a Qin hostage.

*Does this mean the world will be unified by the State of Qin?*

Shen Dao had been hoping to serve a monarch and spread the teachings of Legalism. Being a man of Zhao had been a natural advantage for him. But now, it seemed his prospects were in ruins. After all, Qin and Zhao were enemies. Would he ever be trusted if he threw his lot in with the State of Qin?