Chapter 269,270 What is an international superstar?
The look in Wang Zi Qiji's eyes before leaving was indeed intriguing. Others may not know it, but Li Ran was very clear about his intention.
Prince Qiji was hostile to the plan he had given to King Chu, and at the same time he was warning himself not to cause trouble for himself.
But even with this, Li Ran seemed to be indifferent.
After all, he had no intention of living in Chu State permanently.
Closer to home, after the King of Chu issued the order, he quickly ordered his people to prepare a dowry gift and prepare to leave for the Kingdom of Jin soon.
Before leaving, the King of Chu went to see off Prince Qiji in person. The scene was more grand than when Li Ran and Sun Wu returned from the victory in Chaoyi.
Obviously, the King of Chu's solemn attitude towards this matter and his trust in his own brother have reached an extremely high level.
However, what puzzled Li Ran was what exactly was going through King Chu's mind?
After all, your good brother has seen all the things you Xiong Wei have done. If you are so good to him now, aren't you afraid that he will do the same to you secretly in the future?
Feng shui is changing, if you are in the first year of junior high school, then others can't be in the fifteenth year of junior high school?
Why could such a smart person as King Xiong Wei of Chu not understand this level?
While Li Ran was still thinking, he turned his head, but Prince Qiji had already bid farewell to Brother Wang and finally set off.
And when the prince abandoned his illness and went to the Jin Kingdom, he was bound to pass by the Zheng Kingdom.
Therefore, not long after, when the people of Zheng State heard that Prince Qiji was coming, they immediately prepared a very grand banquet to entertain Prince Qiji and his party.
Why?
it's actually really easy.
It's just a matter of courtesy.
As a rule, when envoys from other countries pass by your country, no matter whether they are important envoys or not, they should be treated well.
As for whether it is necessary for the monarch to welcome him personally, it depends on the identity and importance of the other party.
However, the relationship between Zheng and Chu was very delicate. Therefore, for Zheng, Chu was an ancestor that they did not dare to neglect.
Then this courtesy is naturally inevitable.
However, what Zheng Ren did not expect was that although they were forced to obey the etiquette, Prince Qiji actually understood "etiquette" better than them.
As soon as he heard that the people of Zheng State had set up a banquet to entertain him, Prince Qiji immediately sent someone to go and politely refused.
But the so-called refusal is actually just playing hard to get.
In other words – if you don’t want it, you just want it.
Why do you say that?
Because even after he declined, he was afraid that the lie would turn out to be true, so he immediately sent someone to Zheng Yi to request entry to the city to see Uncle Zheng.
What does this mean?
Obviously, that is: I am humble when you give it to me, but you cannot take it seriously when I am polite to you!
Yes, when Wang Zi Qiji played these tricks, his IQ simply went up by several levels. Even if Li Ran knew about it, I'm afraid he would have to be impressed by it.
Zheng Bo first welcomed the first envoy in the suburbs. The envoy came to refuse the envoy. The people of Zheng State thought that the prince's abandonment was because of the sensitivity between Zheng and Chu, so they were unwilling to accept their hospitality.
But who knew that he would send another envoy to ask for an audience?
At this moment, everyone in the Zheng Kingdom came to a complete understanding.
Therefore, Uncle Zheng and his entourage still set up a battle formation on the outskirts of Zheng Yi, and they left the countryside to entertain the prince.
Not long after that, everyone in the Zheng Kingdom saw Prince Qiji's motorcade coming slowly towards Zheng Yi outside the city.
However, as his motorcade got closer and closer to them, they were surprised to find that the carriage where Prince Qiji was sitting was actually empty!
Yes, he did not ride in a carriage. At least after entering Zheng Ren's sight, he immediately got off the carriage and chose to come on foot.
This level of respect and etiquette is obviously much higher than that of the original prince Wei Wenzhi.
"Chu Qing abandoned his illness and paid homage to Uncle Zheng!"
"Foreign ministers came unexpectedly and made a lot of noise. A small courtesy is not respectful."
Before Prince Qiji finished speaking, his guards immediately brought over an eight-horse carriage.
According to Zhou etiquette, there are strict regulations on what kind of carriage should be taken by what kind of person.
The eight-horse carriage is obviously a guard of honor for the king of a country.
I saw that the bicycle frame presented by Prince Qiji was inlaid with gold and silver, carved with dragons and phoenixes. Its level of luxury could be compared to Uncle Zheng's original bicycle frame, and it was immediately clear that he was spending a lot of money.
But it's not over yet.
"I have seen Zipi take charge of the country."
After seeing Han Hu, Prince Qiji immediately gave him a six-horse carriage. Although it was not as luxurious as the carriage given to Uncle Zheng, the six-horse carriage was still quite arrogant, at least as good as that of Han Hu.
Compared with the carriages and carriages they were riding in, this carriage could only be called shabby.
Han Hu never expected that the dignified prince of the Chu Kingdom would actually prepare generous gifts for himself. Therefore, he smiled from ear to ear and accepted all the gifts.
Then, Prince Qiji met with the ruling minister Zichan and gave him a carriage with four horses. He met You Ji and gave him a carriage with two horses.
What kind of person deserves what kind of gift? In terms of etiquette, Wang Zi Qiji can be said to have directly crushed Wang Ziwei who came to Zheng Yi to hire him.
At least in terms of gift-giving, Prince Qiji's recognition of Zhou rites is unique among the Chu royal family.
As for Zheng Guo, whether it was Uncle Zheng, Han Hu, Zi Chan, or You Ji, they all had a favorable impression of the prince Qi Ji.
But it's not over yet!
Of course, Jiao Lao's hospitality was only temporary, and as a sign of sincerity, the entire Zheng State hoped that Prince Qiji could stay in Zheng Yi for a while, which was considered a courtesy.
Prince Qiji saw that Zheng Guo was so enthusiastic, so he immediately agreed.
So, in front of Zheng Guo's people, he strictly ordered his guards on the spot not to cut grass, graze, pick, chop firewood, nor enter farmland, nor to cut down trees in private gardens, or to pick crops in farmlands.
Do not demolish the houses or take the fruits by force.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Then, he personally swore: If anyone violates the order, he will be removed from his position as an official and the common people will be reduced to slaves.
What is this called?
This is called establishing rules, or following Zhou etiquette. Of course, more of it is just a show.
In an instant, Prince Qiji's "wiseness" and "virtue" were fully reflected in Zheng Yi.
During the period when Prince Qiji stayed in Zhengyi, neither a single atrocity nor any transgression occurred.
Everything he comes and goes follows the rules he has set, whether it is himself or his subordinates and guards.
So when Zheng's rare tiger Zichan saw this situation, he also understood in his heart:
"I'm afraid, this person has ambitions of being the King of Chu!"
Yes, why did Prince Qiji whitewash himself so much?
And why did you try your best to follow Zhou etiquette to please the people of Zheng?
Isn't it just to show that he is completely different from his brother?
You must know that when Prince Qiji came to Zheng Yi to hire someone, he was extremely arrogant and domineering.
Although he was passing by Zhengyi at this time, his etiquette was completely in line with the Zhou rites of the Central Plains. Wouldn't this be contrary to his domineering brother?
What does this mean?
Doesn't this mean that he has a completely different approach from his brother?
And doesn’t this also imply that once he becomes the king of Chu, won’t he be able to pull Chu back from the “misguided path” of not following Zhou rituals?
Conspiracy.
In this regard, Wang Zi Qiji is indeed as good as Wang Ziwei back then.
"This man is so smart, why didn't Ziming mention it before?"
"Is it possible that Ziming didn't notice this man's strange behavior when he was in Chu State?"
Zichan felt very confused and immediately wrote a letter to the State of Chu to ask Li Ran about the prince's abandonment of illness.
After all, all the big and small events in the Chu State may affect the Zheng State. As the ruling minister of the Zheng State, Zichan naturally knows everything about it, no matter how big or small.
——
Chapter 270_Prince Chu abandoned his illness and hired Jin
In this way, Prince Qiji stayed in the State of Zheng for a while, and then set off for the State of Jin.
As for Prince Qiji, since he had already demonstrated his etiquette style in Zheng, he naturally needed to demonstrate it again when he went to other countries.
Since it's a show, of course you have to do a complete set.
Ten days later, he arrived at the border of Jin and sent people to Jiangcheng to request an audience with the Marquis of Jin.
When Jin Hou Biao heard that King Xiong Wei of Chu had actually sent Prince Qiji to hire him, he frowned.
From the bottom of his heart, he didn't want to meet him.
The reason is very simple. In the Battle of Chaoyi, Chu State killed Wu King Zhufan, an ally of Jin State. The relationship between Jin and Chu could be said to have dropped to a freezing point.
What's more, the State of Chu has been stepping up its attack on Zhongli recently, and its wolfish ambitions are clear at a glance. So as a Marquis of Jin, what reason did he have to receive the envoys of the State of Chu?
As for Han Qi, he himself is an unprofitable master. At this time, Prince Qiji had not "said hello" to him in advance, and he had not even revised a letter. So naturally he was a troublemaker.
It doesn't matter how high up you are.
In this way, the only one left with the same right to speak as Han Qi in the Jin court was Yang Tongue.
Although he is not the Sixth Minister, his status and right to speak cannot be underestimated in the Jin Kingdom.
In fact, he had received a letter from Li Ran a few days ago, requesting him to come forward to mediate the marriage between Jin and Chu.
However, he was originally extremely dissatisfied with Li Ran for surrendering to Chu, helping the Chu people to defeat the Wu army, and killing the king of Wu.
He even wrote a letter specifically for this matter, sent it to Chu State, and severely criticized Li Ran.
Therefore, he originally did not agree with the marriage between Jin and Chu.
However, another important thing Li Ran mentioned in the letter also made him hesitate a little.
"Ji Sun Yiru of the Lu State is now also connected with Qing Feng of the Zhongli State. If Qing Feng can be captured, many unresolved truths can be revealed. This is related to the safety of the world, so please think twice, doctor."
Of course, Sheeptongue is also a sensible person.
Regarding Li Ran's aid to the Chu State and the killing of Zhu Fan, he also knew that this was definitely not what Li Ran wanted to do, and that he must have had some unavoidable reasons.
What's more, Li Ran had already expressed his apology to him regarding this matter, and he still believed in Li Ran's character.
At the same time, he also knew that the Ji family of the Lu state and the Hua family of the Song state helped to occupy Zhongli's Qingfeng, and the reasons behind it were certainly not simple.
After all, he still clearly remembered that during the famine in the Wei Kingdom, the Ji family of the Lu Kingdom, Shu Niu and the Qi people behind them colluded with each other, and used the stolen armor from his house to severely punish them.
Together with myself.
At that time, if Yan Ying of Qi State had not clearly understood the situation and worked hard to mediate for him in Qi State, his reputation as a sheep-tongued man would have been ruined by him.
Therefore, if Li Ran's operations in Chu State can be used to find out what forces behind the Ji family of Lu State are secretly disrupting the situation, it will indeed be a good thing for him and the entire world.
Of course, another point is that the marriage of Jin and Chu is not a bad thing in itself. At least from the overall perspective, the marriage of Jin and Chu is indeed of extremely important significance for maintaining the peace and stability of various countries.
What's more, in today's Jin State, only the Jin people themselves know whether it is possible for their Jin State to compete with Chu State now?
The sheep's tongue is very clear.
So, after much deliberation, Yang Yangui finally agreed to Li Ran's request and lobbied the Marquis of Jin on his behalf.
The next day, in the court hall, Yang Tonguji advised the Marquis of Jin:
"Your Majesty, the State of Chu is a barbarian state, and our Jin State is an authentic surname of Ji. Now, since the King of Chu wants to get close to our Jin State, why don't we agree? But why do we want to imitate the behavior of the barbarians?"
"The Book of Songs says: 'You have taught me, and the people will follow your example.' We only need to do our own duties well. Where is the need to learn other people's dishonest behaviors?"
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! ""Shang Shu" also says: 'Shengzhuo rules.' Since we claim to be a great country, we should be guided by good, should we still be guided by good deeds?
Isn't it the standard of conduct that is not upright? If a common man has done good deeds, the people still have to take his behavior as the standard, let alone the monarch's behavior."
The subtext of this statement is: Regardless of whether others follow Zhou etiquette or not, we in Jin must abide by it, and we must use this as a guideline to set an example for the princes of the world.
The effect this sentence can have is naturally obvious.
Can the Marquis of Jin disobey the Zhou rites?
Obviously not.
Even if he was no longer interested in Chu, according to Zhou etiquette and the code of conduct for a king, he would still have to receive him.
Therefore, after hearing what Yang Yanji said, the Marquis of Jin also knew that since Yang Yanji said this, there must be some truth. Therefore, he immediately sent someone to greet Prince Qiji and his party.
Then, Prince Qiji naturally proposed the marriage between Jin and Chu in the Jin court.
When the Marquis of Jin marries his daughter to the King of Chu, the Marquis of Jin becomes the father-in-law of the King of Chu. In terms of seniority, the Marquis of Jin becomes the elder of the King of Chu. For the Jin State, this is still a good name.
Cheap on points.
Therefore, the entire Jin Kingdom basically had no objection to this matter. Anyway, it was not like marrying one's own daughter, so if one wanted to feel sorry for her, she would not feel sorry for them.
Prince Qiji was not idle either. After getting the exact answer from the Marquis of Jin, he once again showed his kind-hearted, self-restraint and propriety side. He also took this opportunity to completely whitewash himself into a
The Chu people were well versed in the Zhou rites of governing the world.
Just like the kings and ministers of the Zheng Kingdom, Prince Qiji's show also made everyone in the Jin Kingdom look at him with admiration.
…
After the court meeting, Han Qi only felt strange. He knew the attitude of the Marquis of Jin, and logically it was impossible for him to agree to the marriage.
Now that the Marquis of Jin actually agreed to it, it was obvious that Yang Yangui must have said something to the Marquis of Jin in advance.
And he was also very curious, why did Yang Tongue persuade the Marquis of Jin to agree to come down?
So he went to Yang Tongue again privately to inquire. After all, he was the minister in power now, and there were some things he should have known.
Yang Yangui did not shy away from him. He knew that Han Qi was greedy, but he was still decent. So, he told him what Li Ran said in the letter.
"What? There is such a thing?"
After hearing this, Han Qi also acted surprised, with a look of disbelief on his face.
Sheeptongue had no doubt that he was there, and said slowly:
"Li Ziming has actually been secretly investigating the forces behind various countries over the years. If King Chu hadn't insisted on beating Zhongli this time, I'm afraid the Ji family of Lu would not have exposed his feet so quickly. In that case, why don't we just follow the trend?
, help him again?”
"It's just that now that Li Ziming is in the Chu Kingdom, it is inconvenient for him to tell us many things clearly. Therefore, the Chinese army must be careful when sending relatives to the Chu Kingdom in the future."
It was one thing for Yang Yangui to trust Li Ran, but after all, many things in Chu State were not under his control.
The obvious meaning of his words was that he wanted Han Qi to make some insinuations to determine whether Li Ran was "treasonous".
"Well, what my uncle said is absolutely true!"
Han Qi is also a sensible person. At least in terms of maintaining the dignity of a great country, he still has a sense of honor as a Jin man.
It's just that this sense of honor doesn't seem to last long for them.
After the two reached an agreement, Han Qi stood up and left.
After Han Qi left, Yang Yanji immediately picked up the pen and wrote another letter to Li Ranshi.
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－
original:
Passing through Zheng, Zheng Hanhu, Gongsun Qiao, and Yu Ji came from Zhengbo to work with all the people. He didn't dare to see him after leaving, so he insisted on seeing him. Seeing him was like seeing the king, and he rode eight horses to see him privately. Seeing Zipi was like a minister.
, six horses. When the son is born, four horses are given. When the son's uncle is seen, the horse is given two. It is forbidden to herd the cud and pick wood, do not go into the fields, do not cut the trees, do not collect plows, do not clear out the houses, and do not rape the beggars. Oath
He said: "If someone violates one's orders, the gentleman will be deposed and the villain will be surrendered." He will not be violent, and his master will not be disrespectful to his guests. If they go back and forth like this, Zheng Sanqing will know that he will be the king.
The prince abandoned his illness and reached Jin Jing, and the generals of Jin Hou also rebelled. Shu Xiang said: "Chu has changed my mind, how can I use it?" "Poetry" said: "You have taught me, and the people can use it." It is just from me, how can it be used?
"Shu" said: "Sheng Zuozhi." Is it better to use good people as a guide, and then to guide others? If an ordinary man is good, the people will follow it, how about the king?" The Marquis of Jin said, it is contrary to this.