In the next few days, Lu Buwei visited many big nobles in Chu State, including Mrs. Huayang's mother clan, and sent out gold, silver and jewelry one by one for free, hoping to get their help.
Lu Buwei's money was not in vain. The nobles of Chu State were still conscientious. After receiving the money, they all stood up to intercede for Lu Buwei.
Of course, in addition to Lu Buwei being generous enough, part of the reason is that they also feel that Qin's sincerity is enough.
Not to mention Shangyu and the northern part of Nanjun occupied by the Three Jins, most of Nanjun, the entire Qianzhong County, and Shangyong are left. Such a large territory is just a risk of offending the Three Jins, which is simply not worth it.
Over the past few hundred years, the Chu State has never had a good relationship with either the former Jin State or the current Three Jin States. There is nothing to offend.
As for whether Qin will admit its mistake to Chu, does it matter?
Not important at all.
King Ji of Qin is dead, and the grass on the grave of King Huai of Chu is already more than ten feet high. The past is in the past, and we should look forward.
It's just a little fame, no profit is important!
Qin and Chu have been married for generations, coupled with the development over the years, almost most of the nobles can be related to Qin and they all jumped out.
King Wan of Chu not only did not agree, but instead demoted several noble officials and deprived them of their titles. Only when they handed over all the money Lu Buwei gave them did King Wan of Chu give up.
The nobles of the Chu State were so frightened that they gave all the money Lu Buwei sent to the King of Chu, and no longer dared to speak for the Qin State.
Today's King of Chu is no longer the puppet he was back then. Hundreds of thousands of Chu troops dare not say that they are loyal to only the King of Chu. However, it is not easy for other nobles to mobilize their troops, and it is completely impossible to mobilize elite legions.
Moreover, unless absolutely necessary, they would not be able to fight against the King of Chu, let alone fight against the King of Chu for the sake of Qin.
Rebellion is never a means, but the last way when there is no other way out.
Chu's conscription has not stopped. If Qin and Chu reach an agreement, the army's target will be the Three Jin Dynasties. If there is no agreement, the army's target will be Qin.
Compared with Lu Buwei who was constantly running around, the lives of King Chu Wangwan and Huang Xie were much more comfortable.
The King of Chu was teasing his chubby boys in the harem, and there were still three of them!
In the past, there were no sons for a long time, but now there are only three in this life. The King of Chu was so happy that everyone in the harem, including the maids, received rewards.
Huang Xie took another concubine last month. In the past, he always felt that Yanzhao was beautiful, leaning against the blue clouds, with bright eyebrows and a charming smile. Now he feels that the women in Jiangnan are more gentle and charming, like the people around him. The bright moon is covered with frost and snow, making people intoxicated and unaware of their way back.
Although Huang Xie was greedy for money and lustful, he never took money that he shouldn't have taken, and always put the country's justice before his personal interests. He was also the only one among the great nobles of Chu who did not accept bribes from Lu Buwei.
Therefore, King Chu would always trust him.
In Chun Shenjun's mansion, Huang Xie was lying on a chair. Two maids in cool clothes were beating his legs on the left and right, and the concubine who had been admitted last month was rubbing his shoulders.
The ice bricks in the wall mezzanine continuously dissipate chill and reduce the heat in the room.
Huang Xie held a few pieces of paper in his hand and frowned slightly. These were what the steward saw and heard on his way to Zhao State for business, and he sorted them out and handed them to him.
It was also what he specifically warned.
Ever since Zhao Kuo got married a few years ago and Huang Xie and the King of Chu went to Handan in person, Huang Xie had paid attention to Zhao. However, the distance between the two countries was long and communication was difficult, so he could not know anything in time.
By the time it was spread to the Chu State, no matter how long it took, it was difficult to guarantee whether it was true or false.
Therefore, Huang Xie arranged for his housekeeper to lead a caravan to the State of Zhao every six months and record what he saw and heard along the way so that he could understand the State of Zhao.
"Qin's tens of thousands of troops surrounded Handan. After the people of Zhao learned about it, they donated money, food and people one after another. They even expressed their willingness to lose their families and property as long as they could defeat the Qin army. As a result, the Qin army only persisted for a few days and was defeated by a group of troops heading south.
The cavalry was defeated.”
"I thought that the war between Zhao and Qin lasted for more than a year, and there would be complaints in the country, and the people would have food. It seems that Zhao has not been affected. Every household has a surplus of food, and they recognize Zhao very much. Look.
It’s time to re-evaluate Zhao’s strength.” Huang Xie thought in his mind.
The Zhao people have been good at fighting since ancient times and have cavalry. After the decline of Qi, Zhao has been the only country among the six eastern countries that can compete with Qin. The biggest shortcoming is that agriculture is not developed enough.
Agriculture is the foundation of a country. If agriculture cannot develop, the country will be walking without a leg.
Therefore, even though Huang Xie saw the strength of Zhao's army in Qi State, he was not worried.
Zhao and Chu are so far apart. No matter how strong your army is, if you don't have enough food and grass, you can't threaten our country, Chu.
But if Zhao State solves its agricultural shortcomings, then the problem will be huge!
"I have long heard that the State of Zhao has been building water conservancy projects and reforming farmland. I never expected that it would achieve such results. The State of Yan has been annexed by the State of Zhao, and the State of Qin has also been defeated by the State of Zhao. The three kingdoms of Han, Wei, and Qi are all attached to the State of Zhao. Although our State of Chu
It's not safe to be in the south and north of Zhao State." Huang Xie sighed.
In the past, the Jin State and the Chu State were not one in the south and one in the north. They still fought every day and disliked each other.
"It seems that the alliance with Qin is the general trend, but before that, we should strive for enough benefits first." Huang Xie thought in his heart.
Ten days later, Lu Buwei received a letter from Qin. The coalition forces had begun to attack the city. Rows of catapults were firing day and night. There were also two disgusting legions, the Shengsheng Battalion and the Crossbowmen, who were shooting arrows at the city from time to time.
It's not safe to hide in the palace.
Lu Buwei could no longer sit still.
Chu State can afford to wait, but Qin State cannot afford to wait. The coalition forces may invade Xianyang at any time, and Qin State will be destroyed by then.
"I would also like to ask this little brother to report to you that the envoy of Qin, Lu Buwei, would like to see you." Outside Chunshenjun's mansion, Lu Buwei said politely to the concierge.
Lu Buwei couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in his heart when he thought that he, a noble young man, had to be so respectful to a small concierge.
Ten years ago, as a businessman, he had to show respect to the concierge of a country's prime minister.
Ten years later, he was already the young minister of a country, and he still had to be respectful when meeting the prime minister of a country.
How has he changed in these ten years?
"Am I really wrong?" Lu Buwei sighed deeply. His talent allowed him to choose the best teammate at critical moments, but now he suddenly realized that he seemed to have made the wrong choice...
"Guest, wait a moment." The concierge leaned over and said, then turned and entered the courtyard to report.
The concierge did not invite Lu Buwei into the mansion, so Lu Buwei could only stand outside the door and wait.
The summer sun is a bit poisonous, and it hurts when it hits your face. But compared to the pain on your face, the humiliation in your heart hurts more.
"A weak country has no diplomacy!" Lu Buwei clenched his hands into fists, his nails dug into his palms, and drops of bright red blood flowed out from between his fingers and dripped to the ground.
Lu Buwei made up his mind that after returning, he must make Qin strong and return all the humiliation he suffered today to Chu and Zhao.
Time passed bit by bit, and Lu Buwei did not return to the car, but stood respectfully at the door.
Until an hour later, when the sun was almost rising above the head, the door creaked open, and Huang Xie slowly walked out of the yard.
After seeing Lu Buwei, he suddenly quickened his pace, looked extremely frightened, leaned over and said, "I kept Envoy Qin waiting for a long time. I was delayed on something just now. I hope Envoy Qin will forgive me."
Lu Buwei was extremely angry in his heart, but he could only squeeze out a stiff smile and said with a smile: "Jun Chun Shen has important matters. I have just arrived and have not been waiting for long."
"Qin envoy please." Huang Xie extended his hand and said.
"please."
The two of them entered the mansion one after another. After taking their seats, Lu Buwei bowed deeply and said, "Please Lord Chun Shen to save my country from Qin."
In the past few days, under the guidance of other nobles, Lu Buwei finally understood that it was useless to look for the King of Chu. The King of Chu listened to Huang Xie, and only by convincing Huang Xie would the Chu State send troops.
"Why did the envoy of Qin say this?" Huang Xie quickly helped Lu Buwei up.
"I won't beat around the bush anymore. It is impossible for Qin to agree to the conditions proposed by Lord Chun Shen. I would like to ask Lord Chun Shen to change the condition. As long as Qin can meet it, I will never refuse." Lu Buwei said solemnly.
"Our Chu country wants Bajun!" Seeing Lu Buwei's attitude, Huang Xie knew that the time was almost up and said directly.
"I can make the decision to cede the five counties of Badong to Chu!" Lu Buwei gritted his teeth and said.
"It's not enough. Our country of Chu wants all of Ba County!" Huang Xie said calmly, playing with the jade in his hand.
"I can't make the decision." Lu Buwei said.
"The envoy of Qin can send someone back to ask the King of Qin, and our country of Chu can wait." Huang Xie put down the jade and looked at Lu Buwei and said.
"From Chen to Xianyang, it will take more than twenty days at the fastest. By the time the Chu State sends troops, our Qin State may have been destroyed by the Zhao State. If we add two more counties, if the Chu State cannot agree. Then
I will return to Qin today and live and die with Qin. As for Bajun and the hometown of Chu, leave them all to the three Jins!" Lu Buwei said in a deep voice.
Huang Xie said nothing, and just looked at Lu Buwei calmly. Lu Buwei looked at Huang Xie without giving in.
After a long while, Huang Xie looked away, nodded and said, "I, the State of Chu, agreed."
It is an unexpected surprise to get seven more counties.
Moreover, with the seven counties of Badong, the Chu State could advance westward along the Yangtze River and capture the land of Bashu.
"When can Chu send troops?" Lu Buwei asked in a deep voice.
"When our Chu State takes over Nanjun, we will send troops," Huang Xie said.
"We, the Qin State, have notified the officials of Nanjun and Qianzhong County that the Chu State can go to receive them at any time." Lu Buwei said. The Qin State really couldn't wait any longer, but he could not force the Chu State to send troops immediately. He could only use words to urge him.
…
In June, the canal from Jingshui to Xianyang was dug, and huge floods poured into Xianyang City from the north.
Qin Wangzhu ordered all city gates to be blocked and went to the city in person to boost morale. Zichu also returned to Xianyang from Longxi and defended the city with Qin Wangzhu.
The Qin State has been established for hundreds of years, and the people's hearts are attached to it. Everyone is still confident in defending Xianyang.
In addition, the monarch and the prince took turns guarding the city and boosting morale, and the people's sentiment in the city was relatively stable.
But as time goes by, it becomes difficult to tell.
"Father, there is a letter from the young master saying that Chu has agreed to send troops." Zi Chu handed Lu Buwei's letter to Qin Wangzhu.
When Qin Wangzhu heard this, he breathed a sigh of relief and quickly scanned the letter. Although he felt a little sad for Lu Buwei to cede so much land, it was worth it as long as Zhao could withdraw his troops.
As long as Guanzhong is still there, as long as the Qin people are still there, whether it is Badong or Nanjun, they can fight back.
"Send the order to inform the whole city of the alliance between Qin and Chu." Qin Wangzhu thought for a moment and ordered.
"Ah? Wouldn't Zhao Jun outside the city know about this?" Yang Quanjun said in surprise.
"It is just to let the Zhao army know that they can retreat early." Qin Wangzhu said, Qin's purpose was to make the coalition forces retreat. As for the Chu army defeating the coalition forces, Qin Wangzhu had never had extravagant hopes.
Even if Qin did not reveal the news of its alliance with Chu, the Chu army would not be able to sneak attack the coalition troops patrolling the periphery with cavalry.
And letting Zhao Jun know in advance can arouse the conflict between the Three Jins and the Chu State and buy time for the Qin State.
He worked hard to fight in the front, but in the end, all the advantages were taken by the Chu State. The King of Qin did not believe that the three Jin Dynasties were not angry.
"Your Majesty is wise." Fan Ju leaned over and said.
"It's just a flood outside the city...Does the Prime Minister have a way to solve it?" Qin Wangzhu said worriedly.
"Your Majesty, don't worry. The terrain in Xianyang is relatively high. Although Zhao Jun's diversion of Jingshui can flood Xianyang, it can't cover the city wall. Once the Chu army arrives, Zhao Jun will retreat. Then we can just block the gap." Fan Ju said.
said.
"I hope so." Qin Wangzhu murmured, he always had an ominous premonition.
…
Outside the city, Zhao Kuo was watching the water flooding Xianyang, but judging from the current scale of the water flow, it would be difficult to flood the Xianyang city wall.
"Your Majesty, there is news that the Chu State and the Qin State have formed an alliance, and the Chu State is recruiting troops recently. This matter was also announced in Xianyang City just now. The Qin State has no intention of hiding it from us." Liu Ping walked over quickly and handed over his hand.
said.
"It seems that Chu State is unwilling to be lonely." Zhao Kuo was not surprised. Zhao Jun had expected this. "Is there anything else?"
"General Lejian has successfully captured most of the passes in Longshan and is attacking the remaining passes," Liu Ping said.
The Qin army retreated in a hurry, and no large army was deployed on Longshan Road. There were only a few remaining Qin troops in a few passes, which were completely unable to stop the Zhao army.
"This is good news." Zhao Kuo said with a smile. After taking Longshan, the west of Longshan, including the Hexi Corridor, will enter the arms of Zhao. Zhao will not lose in this battle no matter what.
But if you want to make a lot of money, you still have to capture Xianyang City in front of you.
"Send the order, starting from tomorrow, attack Xianyang in an all-out way!" Zhao Kuo ordered.
He decided not to wait any longer. If the Chu army attacked from behind, the coalition forces would have no choice but to retreat.
In late June, two urgent reports were sent to the army from South Korea and Wei.
The king of Han and the king of Wei urgently reported: The Chu army is attacking Xinzheng and Daliang, please return quickly!